The final configuration of the Thales Watchkeeper UAV for the British Army is unveiled here, outside the Thales pavilion. Now that the critical design review is successfully accomplished, Thales is showing this intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) system to other potential customers. With that in mind, Thales and Dassault are this week announcing a joint venture to pursue the French army requirement for a tactical ISTAR UAV system. A smaller model of the possible French configuration can be found on the Dassault stand.
The Watchkeeper air vehicle will be an Elbit Hermes 450 platform upgraded with a dual sensor payload (radar as well as EO/IR video), de-icing capability and automatic takeoff and landing. These UAVs will be produced in the UK by U-TacS, a joint venture between Thales UK and Elbit Systems.
“The system will form a key part of the UK’s network-enabled capability–a reliable UAV carrying highly advanced sensors, linked to a comprehensive network of command, control, exploitation and dissemination elements,” said Richard Deakin, managing director of Thales’ aerospace business in the UK.
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