Athena Technologies' Guidance and Navigation System Selected for Largest Non-US Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program - Watchkeeper.WARRENTON, Va. -- Athena Technologies, Inc. today announced its GuideStar,[TM] a compact, integrated inertial navigation system Noun 1. inertial navigation system - a system to control a plane or spacecraft; uses inertial forces inertial guidance system robot pilot, automatic pilot, autopilot - a navigational device that automatically keeps ships or planes or spacecraft on a steady , global positioning system Global Positioning System: see navigation satellite. Global Positioning System (GPS) Precise satellite-based navigation and location system originally developed for U.S. military use. (INS/GPS) and air data sensor suite, has been selected to provide redundant systems for the UK Watchkeeper Tactical UAV Program (the largest Unmanned Aerial Vehicle A powered, aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload. Program in Europe). An important program for British Armed Forces, Watchkeeper will provide an essential Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR (programming, tool) ISTAR - An experimental IPSE from Imperial Software Technology. ) capability. Watchkeeper will provide day and night service during times of war or tension, providing critical information to protect troops. The UK Ministry of Defence awarded the Watchkeeper contract worth [pounds sterling]700M ($1.2B) to a team led by Thales UK in 2005 (more information about Watchkeeper can be found at: Thales UK Watchkeeper Press Release or at www.thalesgroup.co.uk/thales_corporate/press-room/pressreleases). "We are honored to have won such a ground breaking UAV program as the navigation elements for Watchkeeper," said Dr. David Vos, Athena's CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. . "Being selected to contribute to the UK's Tactical UAV program is a testament to our products and capabilities. With well over 100,000 flight hours and proven performance at a low lifecycle cost on many different UAV platforms, the GuideStar brings unique value to the program," he added. About Athena Technologies Athena Technologies is a premier developer and producer of navigation and control systems. Founded in 1998, the company produces the GuideStar[TM] family of versatile, compact and cost-effective flight control systems for military applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles
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