Story ID: 525
Romania Firms Up First Watchkeeper UAS Purchase
By: David Donald
Caption: The Watchkeeper X is the export version of the Watchkeeper UAS developed by Elbit and Thales for the British Army.
Word Count: 197
Elbit Systems has received a purchase order from the Romanian Ministry of National Defence for three Watchkeeper X unmanned air systems (UAS), the Israeli company announced this week at the Paris Airshow. Plans call for delivery of the air vehicles over two years. Worth $180 million, the June 21 order is part of a $410 million framework contract announced on December 21 covering a maximum of seven UASs. Along with the vehicles, Elbit will provide associated systems that include the company's Spectro XR multi-spectral electro-optical payload and new communications equipment.
Watchkeeper X is the export version of an adaptation of the Hermes 450 developed for the British Army by U-TacS, an Elbit joint venture with Thales. Improvements applied to the resultant WK450 included the addition of a second payload—typically a SAR/GMTI radar—and a change of wing position from a parasol to a conventional fuselage mount. A 150-shp Wankel rotary engine made by Elbit subsidiary powers the vehicle.
At the time of the framework announcement, Elbit noted plans to produce the UAS in Romania, working with local company Aerostar and Romanian subsidiaries of Elbit and U-TacS.