TEKEVER, the European leader in Maritime Surveillance, and US-based Overwatch Imaging, a leader in airborne imaging systems for both piloted aircraft and drones, have successfully integrated the PT-8 Oceanwatch payload on the TEKEVER AR5 UAV, adding 360º automatic small target detection capabilities to the system. The news was announced in Riyadh, during the World Defense Show.
“The Overwatch Imaging payload enhances the situational awareness capabilities of the TEKEVER AR5, namely for 360º automatic detection of small targets. Like a radar, the sensor automatically detects targets, and allows the operator to recognize and validate the information. Because it’s based on visual data, the PT-8 Oceanwatch allows us to consider very significant information for automatic classification, such as the color of the targets. We believe it will greatly help us improve mission effectiveness”, said Tiago Nunes, TEKEVER’s Director of Products.
“The TEKEVER AR5 UAV is a very capable system with a large payload capacity and multiple state-of-the-art sensors operating simultaneously,” said Greg Davis, CEO of Overwatch Imaging. “Our PT-8 Oceanwatch enhances the system capabilities with AI software, creating an even more powerful maritime patrol UAS.”
The AR5 is a Medium-Altitude/Medium-Endurance, Fixed Wing UAS designed for missions such as land and maritime surveillance, extended patrols, and search & rescue. It is capable of BRLOS (beyond radio line of sight) by way of satellite communications. The AR5 offers superior performance with reduced operating costs, using a satcom terminal and multiple sensors that operate simultaneously.
The Overwatch Imaging PT-8 Oceanwatch is a passive image-based radar system that enables much faster search for small or long-range maritime objects compared to traditional maritime patrol systems that use video or human-based search alone. Oceanwatch combines multiple high-resolution cameras and AI-enabled processing at the edge to automatically identify objects in water during the day and at night.