2013 Report details for project: WATCHKEEPER
| Project name | WATCHKEEPER - there are 8 reports for this project: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
|---|---|
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| Contracts | Contracts search (opens in new window) - under development |
| Organisation | MOD (D17) - see all reports for this organisation |
| Report year | 2013 (data is from September 2012) |
| Category | Military - see all reports for this category |
| Description: | Watchkeeper will provide the operational commander with a 24 hour, all weather, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capability supplying accurate, timely and high quality imagery to support decision making. The system consists of unmanned air vehicles, sensors, data links and ground control stations. Watchkeeper is planned to be delivered through an incremental programme to allow the system to benefit from both existing and emerging future sensors and air vehicle technology. |
| DCA (RAG) | Red |
| DCA text: | Following a thorough review and re-baselining of the Watchkeeper schedule at the end of 2012, and continuation of the joint working groups between the Project Team, Thales and the Military Aviation Authority (MAA), significant progress has been made towards provision of evidence to satisfy the initial Release To Service (RTS). The equipment deliveries remain on track and over 400 hours of operational flight trials have taken place. |
| Start date | 1998-03-01 |
| End date | 2040-12-31 |
| Schedule text | The Watchkeeper programme is particularly challenging as the first Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) of its size to be operated in the UK under a reinvigorated regulatory process. Watchkeeper did not achieve its in-service date of April 12 as the system was unable to declare a Release to Service (RTS). The delay to the introduction of Watchkeeper into theatre is being mitigated by the continuation of the Hermes 450 service to ensure there is no capability impact on the current operation. The Department continues to work closely with the Prime Contractor and other key stakeholders to generate and implement a recovery plan. |
| Baseline | £91.38m |
| Forecast | £59.16m |
| Variance | -35.26% |
| Variance text: | In identifying that Watchkeeper would not achieve ISD in Apr 12, the forecast costs for FY 12/13 reduced by ~£30m. The ~£2m variation can be accounted for by delays to Watchkeeper activities associated with supporting functions. The milestones in support of ISD are being reprofiled to provide a robust cost forecast of the revised Watchkeeper schedule. |
| Whole Life Cost | £1,079.08m |
| WLCost text: | The Whole Life Cost figure includes the cost of the Assessment Phase, the ongoing costs for the Demonstration, Manufacture & Initial in-service Support (DMIS) Phase and future In Service Support costs (include contractual obligations and forecasted costs out to 2016 only). Provision for technical support and engine upgrade is also included although only out to 2016 and future equipment upgrades are not included in this figure. |
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| Notes2: | |
| Sourcefile | MOD_2013.csv |
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Acknowledgement: GMPP data has been re-used under the Open Government Licence.