Observer

The Observer fully autonomous battlefield observation system was designed and developed by Cranfield Aerospace Ltd (CAe) in collaboration with QinetiQ. This UAV combines “gust insensitive technology” and a fully autonomous digital flight control system to deliver an “information at the fingertip” capability. The sophisticated flight control system translates very simple commands, from the ground station based operator, into a complex flight trajectory that delivers the demanded image autonomously.

A Unique Solution

Whole systems approach
Readily deployable
Intuitive Interface
Real-time data link
Autonomous and simple operation
Easily supportable
Automatic launch and recovery
Robust airframe

OBSERVER System Roles

OBSERVER carries daylight TV or thermal imaging sensors to provide 24-hour coverage of a commander’s Area of Interest. It may be used for:

Surveillance
Reconnaissance, including BDA
Target Acquisition (in support of Battle Group operations).

Operational functions that would benefit from OBSERVER support include:

Battle Group reconnaissance
Direction of artillery/mortar fire
Naval Gunfire Support
Special Force Operations

OBSERVER System Concept

The OBSERVER system concept is unique in that the operator controls the path of the sensor footprint rather than controlling the flight path of the air vehicle. A sensor incorporating either daylight television or TI cameras has replaced the traditional complex sensor turret. This semi-strapped-down sensor array is pointed by the air vehicle and directed by the operator at an intuitive touch-screen control console with digital map and imagery displays side-by-side. A touch on either the imagery or tactical map display is all that is required to initiate a search routine, close on a target, or closely observe a key point.

Footprint Control at the Touch of a Finger

Footprint control algorithms resident on the air vehicle reduce the operator workload, allowing operators to focus on imagery gathered by the systems.

Daylight TV Payload

The image from three CCD cameras is electronically stitched together to provide a single image in the ground control station. This combined image has a 40 x 90 field of view, allowing excellent spatial awareness and the resolution to identify features on the ground using the same sensor. The image provides the operator with a ‘head-up’ control capability, resulting in a highly reactive reconnaissance system.

Thermal Image Payload

To complement the electro-optic sensor, we have developed a highly advanced uncooled infra-red sensor. Unlike the TV payload the TI sensor package produces a footprint that includes, at its centre, a high-resolution fovea patch, which can be driven to cover the area of interest.

OBSERVER Air Operations

An OBSERVER flight section consists of a mobile ground control station, a self-propelled launcher, support vehicles and a number of air platforms. Flight-ready air vehicles are brought forward and, following an automatic check-out, are launched by catapult. Parachute recovery is automatic to any point designated by the operator on his touch screen or map display. The robust delta platform minimises recovery damage. The modular system design of OBSERVER allows simple exchange of sensor payload and rapid replenishment of consumables, thereby enabling fast turnarounds.

OBSERVER System Characteristics

Optimum range	25km
Sensor coverage	100 km2/h
Resolution	recognise MBT at 500 m
Air Vehicle Mass	30 kg
Endurance	2+ hrs
Optimum operating height	300 m
Ceiling	5000 m AMSL at ISA +25
Speed	120kts dash, 60kts cruise
Climb rate	> 1000 ft/min at sea level
Target location	+/-50 m

For further information, please contact Dave Dyer on +44 (0) 1234 754135 or send an email.