Secure datalinks to serve unmanned aerial vehicles

Ultra Electronics has been awarded a contract worth over GBP 10 million to develop and supply secure datalinks for the UK's Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicle programme.

The Ultra Electronics Sonar and Communication Systems business, based in Greenford, Middlesex, has been awarded a contract worth over GBP 10 million to develop and supply secure datalinks for the UK's Watchkeeper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programme.

The Watchkeeper tactical UAV system will provide the British armed forces with an intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability.

It is due to enter service with the British Army in 2010.

Ultra has been awarded the order by Cubic Defense Applications, San Diego, California, USA.

Under the contract, Ultra will work with Cubic to develop two separate data links: the tactical common datalink (TCDL) and the high integrity datalink (HIDL).

The TCDL will enable Watchkeeper to transfer time-critical information to ground control stations from multiple UAVs operating in the same geographical area without mutual interference.

The HIDL is used for the secure and covert command and control of multiple UAVs in flight and will also provide Watchkeeper with a versatile, programmable backup air-to-ground link for tactical battlespace information.

The datalinks are a vital element in the UK's network-enabled capability and in ensuring interoperability with other NATO forces.

Ultra will also be responsible for the development of high grade encryption modules for the two links.

Ultra will manufacture hardware for both datalinks, with deliveries commencing in 2007.

It is intended that the future support for the Watchkeeper data links will be supplied by Ultra to the British Army over the life of the programme.

Douglas Caster, Chief Executive of Ultra commented: "Ultra has positioned itself over the last six years to win this Watchkeeper contract by supporting data link studies and by undertaking various risk reduction activities".

"These have given Ultra detailed knowledge of the programme requirements and allowed us to develop an innovative solution with our teaming partner, Cubic".

"The programme is important as it puts Ultra at the forefront of developing datalinks for UAV and ISTAR applications".

"It is the continuation of a strategic partnership with Cubic which, it is anticipated, will lead to additional business for both companies".

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