Watchk eeper

Tac tic a l Com mon Data Link s

Providing Extensive Networked Capability for UAVs
Cubic is delivering its Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL) for the UK Ministry of
Defenses (MOD) WATCHKEEPER Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program.Recognized
as Europes largest and most extensive UAV program, WATCHKEEPER provides
Cubics high-speed TCDL
serves as the wireless connection for
transferring data and images from
UAVs to ground control stations.

the British Forces with essential intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and
reconnaissance capabilities.
Cubics high-speed TCDL serves as the wireless connection for transferring data
and images from UAVs to ground control stations. The WATCHKEEPER Program is
designed to meet the MODs requirement for a network-enabled unmanned aerial
vehicle system. The WATCHKEEPER system provides continuous surveillance in
all weather conditions, and eliminates the need to deploy aircrews into sensitive or
harmful environments.
Cubics TCDL provides reliable, flexible, high-speed data connections for
WATCHKEEPER. Using digital signal processing, the TCDL accepts and processes
the high-volume sensor data generated on the air vehicle for transmission to ground
stations. A simultaneous uplink transmits control commands to the air vehicle and its
payload.

www.cubic.com

The surveillance platform for WATCHKEEPER is the WK 450 UAV. Based on the Elbit
Systems Hermes 450, this medium-size UAV can stay airborne for almost 20 hours.
The aircraft can use optical, infrared, and radar sensors to observe stationary and
moving targets in all weather conditions, day or night. Its real-time data feeds offer
commanders greater situational awareness and operational flexibility than earlier
tactical platforms.

Key Features
Cubics WATCHKEEPER wide-band data link consists of an air terminal and a ground
terminal sharing analog and programmable digital components. The Air Data Terminal
is packaged for light weight and includes a rugged isolation tray to protect it from
shock and vibration. The Ground Data Terminal uses a high-gain reflector antenna
that collapses into bespoke transit cases for easy and rapid transport as needed
to serve mobile operations. Optical cables allow placing the antenna hundreds of
meters away from the ground station itself to improve visibility into the operating
area. The antenna features automatic signal tracking, ensuring it reliably points at the
airborne transmitter. An omnidirectional antenna is included for close-in operation
and pre-mission checkout.

A ir Data Ter m in a l (A DT)

G round Data Ter m in a l (G DT)

Performance Characteristics

Performance Characteristics

Frequency Ku-band

(transmit & receive)
Data Rate
200 kbps 10.71 Mbps
Transmit Power
10 Watts
Transmit Mode
Full-duplex
Interfaces
Dual Ethernet channels

Analog audio

(input & output)

Analog video and control

(input & output)
Encryption UK

Physical Characteristics
Size
Weight
Power Consumption
Primary Power
Vibration & Shock
EMI/EMC
Temperature

14.6 w x 15.9 l x 7.3 h

24.4 lbs.
215 W maximum
28 VDC
DEF STAN 00-35
DEF STAN 59-41
-34 C to +50 C

Frequency Ku-band

(transmit & receive)
Antenna Gain
39.6 dBi
Data Rate
200 kbps 10.71 Mbps
Transmit Power
10 Watts
Transmit Mode
Full-duplex
Interfaces
Dual Ethernet channels

Analog audio

(input & output)

Analog wideo and control

(input & output)
Encryption UK

Physical Characteristics
Size


Weight


Power Consumption
Primary Power
Vibration & Shock
EMI/EMC
Temperature

Case 1: 18 x 36.3 x 17.3

Case 2: 23 x 39 x 17.3
Case 3: 27.8 x 26.3 x 19.7
Heaviest fully loaded case:
106 lbs.
Total: 302.7 lbs.
301 W avg; 726 W peak
28 VDC
DEF STAN 00-35
DEF STAN 59-41
-34 C to +71 C

9333 Balboa Ave. San Diego, California USA Phone 858-277-6780 Fax 858-505-1523
Copyright 04/13 CDA 11738_009 Air Cleared by DoD/OSR for Public Release under 13-S-1840 on 5/2/13