London, 12 September, 2023: Drone Evolution launches SENTINEL, its new, tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system at DSEI 2023. Designed and built in the UK, SENTINEL has been teamed with Steatite’s MPU5 MESH radio, creating an airborne rebroadcasting node which provides a persistent surveillance capability for situational awareness. The SENTINEL tether system is quicker to deploy and lighter to carry than a mast option. The combination of a tethered UAV system and radio/camera/thermal imaging system is ideal for applications such as:

• Intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance

• Force protection

• Event security

SENTINEL can be powered by Drone Evolution’s patented Freedom Power Supply Unit (PSU). This PSU can output 100V-500V from a 12V or 24V vehicle power supply, allowing SENTINEL to be mobilised and remain airborne for extended periods of time, reaching heights of 50m for 6 hours and potentially beyond. SENTINEL is the only system capable of running directly from a 12v or 24v power supply such as a vehicle or batteries (with no inverter or generator required) as well as mains power. Additionally, SENTINEL’s weatherproofing and high wind resistance allows for long endurance in challenging environments.

With both SENTINEL and Dis1 radios operating at ground level, it is possible to establish a baseline range to determine the range and throughput of a Wave Relay point-to-point network in an urban environment.

Toby Townrow, Communications Director at Drone Evolution, said: “Tethering a drone to a ground power source allows the system to be in the air for periods far beyond conventional battery life. SENTINEL really is a game changer, it can be deployed without advanced pilot skills and has the potential for secure communications and overcoming blackspots. Additionally, SENTINEL can take your sensors to greater heights than a standard temporary mast system can ever achieve.”

Steatite’s Business Development Manager, Seb Leaver, added “The combination of Drone Evolution’s SENTINEL system and the MPU5 Radio System provides a solution to a challenge that our clients have had for a long time – namely how to get a comms rebroadcast system to a height quickly and easily for a range of deployment types at a price that doesn’t make to prohibitive.”

See Drone Evolution’s SENTINEL on Steatite’s stand H2-417.

The MCL Viper system features a customizable configuration with four or more canisters, adaptable to a wide array of military platforms and vehicles. This game-changing launcher enhances the maneuverability and operational pace of forces while minimizing operator exposure and safeguarding crew members within the vehicle.

Capable of launching multiple VIPER systems simultaneously or sequentially, the MCL Viper empowers tactical units with real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, as well as precision attack capabilities complemented by Electronic Warfare (EW) measures. Additionally, the system guarantees operator safety, situational awareness, and mission success, enabling both Swarm and unitary modes of operation.

Operable from within the vehicle and demanding minimal storage space, the MCL Viper system offers an immediate response even while in motion. Its intuitive, autonomous operation and resilience in challenging environmental conditions make it an indispensable asset for modern battlefield scenarios.

Yiftach Kleinman, EVP Commercial at Spear UAV, explains, “At Spear, we have recognized the complicated challenges associated with SWAP (Size, Weight, and Power) allocation within military platforms, coupled with the crucial need to enhance tactical forces with advanced capabilities. Spear’s proven expertise in encapsulating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and executing missions seamlessly from a diverse array of platforms, including submarines and Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), drives the development of the MCL Viper. This innovative solution is poised to empower the entire VIPER 300 family of capabilities, catering to units ranging from squads and platoons to companies and battalions. Military forces can now leverage the advantages of unitary or SWARM capabilities, encompassing hovering, speed, compactness, and cost-effectiveness, with the ability to engage and eliminate pinpoint targets either kinetically or electronically. Integration with BMS and C4i systems ensures our integration within the forces’ ecosystem. This solution reshapes tactical effectiveness, enabling troops to successfully execute a wide range of missions while enhancing their protection and minimizing exposure to adversaries in any warfare scenario.”

“SpearUAV, known for its unique encapsulated drone technology, continues to pioneer advancements in the field of unmanned aerial systems and aerial weapon systems. The launch of the MCL Viper underlines the company’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of defense technology, introducing innovative solutions that redifine battlefield dynamics.” Kleinman adds.

For more information about SpearUAV’s groundbreaking technology and solutions, please visit www.spearuav.com.