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Watchkeeper WK450

Thales / Elbit Systems (U-TacS joint venture) · United Kingdom

British Army tactical ISR UAV built by the Thales/Elbit U-TacS joint venture, derived from the Elbit Hermes 450, with EO/IR and SAR/GMTI radar.

CountryUnited Kingdom
SubcategoryFixed-wing
SubtypeTactical UAV
RoleISR
ClassTactical
ClassificationTactical UAV
MissionISR
Notable partnersThales UK, Elbit Systems
MTOW (kg)450
OperatorsBritish Army
Frame typeFixed-wing
Length (m)6.5
PropulsionPiston
Wingspan (m)10.9
Combat-provenYes
Launch methodRunway takeoff
Autonomy levelSemi-autonomous
Endurance (min)1020
Recovery methodRunway landing
Year introduced2019
Max payload (kg)150
Max speed (km/h)143
Standard sensorsDay/night EO/IR; dual-mode SAR/GMTI radar
Production statusIn service
Service ceiling (m)4900
Conflicts deployed inAfghanistan
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Review-stage catalogue data — specs corroborated from manufacturer and secondary sources; not for procurement decisions. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thales_Watchkeeper_WK450