WB GROUP

It all began when Poland-based WB GROUP’s first attempt to win a foreign contract was thwarted by its technology partner’s inability to deliver a functional unmanned system. Not discouraged by the shortcoming, the creators of WB Group leveraged this learning experience to develop and implement their own UAV solutions. Today, the company offers innovative, proprietary, and deployable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that redefine the standards of the global military systems and other demanding markets.

Founded in 1997 by engineers for engineers, the WB GROUP offers groundbreaking and innovative solutions for defense and civil sectors. The company’s prowess is showcased by the state-of-the-art reconnaissance, communications, and combat systems it implements for the Polish army. As Piotr Wojciechowski, the P resident and CEO of WB GROUP states, “We anticipate our customers’ needs to tailor-make comprehensive solutions with a sharp focus on sustaining business relationships and customer orientation based on trust.”

As Poland’s leading designer and producer of UAS for uniformed services, WB GROUP effectively leverages unmanned technologies to accumulate real-time data and spread connectedness for a seamless flow of critical information across heavily damaged locations with stranded people. Backed by in-depth experience and expertise in unmanned technologies, WB GROUP designs robust loitering munitions systems, and light observation systems equipped with daylight and IR cameras. The company’s seasoned engineering team crafts fully integrated solutions for battlefield communications and command systems to enhance situational awareness, and ensure a common operating picture. Moreover, WB GROUP’s fruitful partnership with Gliwice-based Flytronic has yielded advanced and reliable unmanned reconnaissance and automated artillery fire control systems not just for the Polish army, but for overseas clients as well.

WB GROUP’s subdivisions across Gliwice, Gdynia, Warsaw, and Ożarów Mazowiecki gives the Polish defense sector easy access to the company’s first-class engineers in the fields of image analysis, radio communication, control systems, digital electronics, software, and construction. The company capitalizes on its innovative laboratories outfitted with specialist equipment like climate chamber, 3-axis rotary table, high-frequency measurement equipment, engine test stand, devices for automated electronics assembly, and Machinery Park to develop advanced UAS. Among WB GROUP’s inventory is a flagship battle-proven UAV, the FlyEye mini UAS with a successful track record of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid information-gathering missions.

Characterized by ease of assembly and disassembly, hard to detect, and a launch readiness within 10 minutes, the modular system of the UAV allows it to be effortlessly operated in tight spaces and confined areas without additional equipment. The FlyEye releases the camera/payload attached with a parachute from its airframe before it lands on a hard surface; within a 25-meter radius from the payload, thus preventing any damage to the cargo.

That’s not all, WB GROUP offers a sophisticated observation system, the FT-5, a short-range tactical unmanned aerial platform for executing missions where prolonged flight endurance and reliability is paramount. The FT-5’s surveillance payload comprises high-end daylight and thermal imaging cameras to preserve high image quality and can be scaled as per mission-specific needs. Furthermore, FT-5’s ability to stay airborne for 12 hours makes it a champion in reconnaissance missions. “Our unmanned technologies are based on years of expertise gained from the long-term cooperation with demanding customers worldwide, and deliver irrefutable modularity and scalability,” adds Wojciechowski. That said, WB GROUP can craft a spectrum of configurations that connect unmanned reconnaissance systems with combat management systems like the unrivaled TOPAZ ICMS, establishing a singular, homogenous ecosystem operating in both military and civil sectors.
The efficiency and reliability of WB GROUP’s offerings are best described with a scenario where the company helped a client incorporate an FT-LoC2 (Locate on Command) device on the FlyEye mini UAV. As the client’s system was at risk of losing communication, WB GROUP’s engineers designed the FT-LoC2—a GPS-based long-range emergency location and recovery system—featuring unique remote ID tags, search station, and vehicle-mounted antennae. The engineers then installed the FT-LoC2 on the FlyEye Mini UAV for an airborne version of the search station to enhance the client’s range of operation, without the need for a GSM infrastructure. Upon receiving positive feedback from the client, WB GROUP further implemented new features on the FlyEye mini UAV that included a GCS with antenna, and GS4 daylight and IR observation payloads for reduced weight and longer flight time on station. The company also provided tactical and maritime antennae, backpacks and transportation cases, and MIL connectors for the client’s system.

While this story showcases the advantages of utilizing WB GROUP’s UAS, the company has truly revolutionized the defense sector with an advanced loitering munitions system, WARMATE. This multi-role combat unmanned aerial vehicle (CUAV) has a light-weight structure and is currently used by Polish and foreign armed forces to execute a variety of missions on the battlefield. But the success of this innovation doesn’t stop there. WB Group has now introduced the new and improved WARMATE 2 that is designed to be integrated with ground vehicles, and can be scaled to address the modern battlefield challenges. “All ground segment devices are optimized for integration and operation on ground vehicles along with the additional equipment for transportation, launch, and communications,” Wojciechowski explains. The all-powerful WARMATE 2 boasts greater impact power and flight endurance compared to its predecessor, enabling the armed forces to perform secure and successful missions.

The company is all set to unveil its latest invention, the foldable WARMATE Tube Launch, at the upcoming defense fairs including MSPO 2019 in Kielce, DSEI in London, AUSA in Washington, and Arms & Security in Kiev.