UK ISTAR and the integration of
UAVs
Stuart Young
Technical Executive, UAV Systems
UNCLASSIFIED
UK ISTAR Requirements
Persistence
Robustness
Shared Accurate
Enduring Timeliness
UNCLASSIFIED
ISTAR Challenges From Recent Operations
Scarcity of ISTAR Assets
Equipment performance limitations
Complex terrain and operating constraints
Capable adversaries with access to advanced
technology
UNCLASSIFIED
UK WATCHKEEPER Requirement
“WATCHKEEPER is required to
provide accurate, timely and high
quality imagery and IMINT,
collected, collated, exploited and
disseminated to satisfy land
manoeuvre commanders’ critical
information and intelligence
requirements within the context of
Joint operations throughout a
range of environments and across
the spectrum of conflict.”
A Customer Single Statement of Requirement (SSR)
for a Complex System of Systems
UNCLASSIFIED
UK WATCHKEEPER Solution
WATCHKEEPER : Largest European UAV programme - a Step Change
in Tactical UAV System Capability
UNCLASSIFIED
WATCHKEEPER – System details
Tactical Persistence
24/7 ISTAR
Performance
SAR/GMTI radar on tactical size UAV
Exploitation and dissemination tools
Distributed Image Reference Library
Integration with other ISTAR and Effects
Small logistic footprint
Long endurance / high reliability
Low maintenance
No “Pilots”
UK airworthiness certification
Not just a UAV ….
WATCHKEEPER is a Tactical "NEC-Ready" Intelligence System
UNCLASSIFIED
WATCHKEEPER ISTAR Integration
WATCHKEEPER Network Surveillance Payloads Mission UAV
Bowman (Radio & LAS)
EO/IR &/or GMTI/SAR
IFF
Wideband Data Link
Narrowband Data Link
V/UHF Radio Mission GCS
FALCON Imagery & Control
Satcom (option) Data Links Imagery
Source
ATC
(Military or/&
GDT Civilian)
(Rx Only) AH/CAS
Tac Party
GDT
GCS
(Mission) Collocated
GCS RVT
Imagery Data Link
Receive Only
Raptor/
Astor Rx
HQ
RVT Only
Attached to HQ
Tasking Users Bowman
Imagery Data Link FALCON GCS Voice
Receive Only (L&R)
Artillery
Launch & Recovery GCS Support
Imagery & Control Data Links GDT
Bty CP Regt CP
Command Posts
UNCLASSIFIED
WATCHKEEPER Programme Status
Thales UK announced as preferred supplier in July 2004
Main Gate Approval July 2005
Design & Manufacture contract signed with Thales UK on 29
July 2005
Preliminary Design Review complete
Critical Design Review : now!
IOC & ISD ~ 2010
UNCLASSIFIED
Future UAVs Mix
Short Term
Operational
Requirement
Predator B Desert Hawk
WATCHKEEPER
Long term
Deep and optimum UAV Mix Maritime
Persistent to support Joint UAV
ISTAR?
Micro and Mini
TUAVs
UNCLASSIFIED
Considerations for UAV Integration
Interoperability and wider ISTAR integration
Tasking
Spectrum Management
Security
Resource skills
Civil airspace integration
UNCLASSIFIED
Questions?
UNCLASSIFIED