The developmental Thales Watchkeeper WK450 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the British Army made its maiden flight in UK airspace on 14 April, the company announced.rnThe 20-minute flight, which took place at Parc Aberporth in Wales, is the first milestone in a long-term programme to demonstrate that the Watchkeeper system meets the safety and airworthiness criteria required to fly UAVs initially on ranges and segregated airspace in the UK.rnWatchkeeper is expected to enter service with the British Army later this year when it is due to be deployed to Afghanistan. It is based on and will replace the Elbit Hermes 450, which is operated by the 32 Regiment Royal Artillery under an urgent operational requirement (UOR)rnagreement between Thales and the Ministry of Defence.
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