Alpine Eagle is the developer of Sentinel, a revolutionary counter-UAS (unmanned aerial system) solution that utilizes multiple swarming UAVs and active radar sensors to overcome the limitations of ground-based systems.
The ITAR-free system has been tested and fielded by the Bundeswehr, a NATO member, and is an assured solution for providing persistent overwatch for mobile and fixed-site operations even under contested and GNSS-denied conditions.
The Sentinel Airborne Advantage
Ground-based counter-UAS systems are often ineffectual against low-altitude threats that use urban, mountainous, or forested terrain to mask their approach. These systems are also typically easily overwhelmed by swarm attacks and electronic warfare (EW).
Sentinel deploys multiple UAVs equipped with active radar sensors and optional EO/IR cameras to overcome these limitations, providing unobstructed line-of-sight and reliable detection and classification of Group 1 & 2 UAS, loitering munitions, and ground targets at ranges of up to 4 km. This ensures early warning against incoming threats and enables their interception at a stand-off distance. Data can be synced with a range of kinetic and non-kinetic effectors to provide comprehensive neutralization capabilities.
By staggering multiple Sentinels in a swarm, we can create a 360-degree detection radius/bubble. Each Sentinel oversees its own sector, with 360-degree coverage achieved by the whole swarm. Sentinel can be integrated into existing C2 systems for easy mission deployment.
Thanks to its resilient architecture, Sentinel is able to operate effectively in GNSS- and communications-denied environments.
Learn more: Sentinel Airborne Counter-UAS Solution
Active Radar Detection & Edge AI Processing
Each Sentinel UAV is equipped with active radar, providing precise real-time tracking and actionable intelligence. Onboard edge AI processing correlates sensor data across the swarm, enabling accurate target discrimination while greatly reducing bandwidth demands. Air and ground targets can be reliably distinguished from background clutter while eliminating false detections originating from structures, background noise, and clutter.
The system tracks multiple threats simultaneously in cluttered and complex environments, with target limits determined by spacing, radar cross-section, and kinematic distinguishability within the field of view. Configurable thresholds ensure operational effectiveness and prevent saturation in high-density threat environments.
Sentinel’s AI, which is edge computed on the UAV itself, also reacts and adapts dynamically to the changing environment, prioritizing high-confidence tracks and dynamically allocating sensor resources to maintain overwatch integrity. Target trajectories can be analysed to predict hostile intent and calculate effective intercept points.
Learn more: Active Radar Detection
Applications
Military & Defense
With the ability to provide on-the-move overwatch, Sentinel is ideal for protecting mobile military units and convoys as well as fixed sites such as forward operating bases.Â
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Sentinel can be deployed in complex and urban environments to protect critical assets such as power plants, airports and government facilities.
Commercial ShippingÂ
Capable of operating in maritime environments, Sentinel can provide early warning against drone strikes against commercial vessels, protecting the lives of crew.Â
Border Security
With long-endurance capabilities of up to 72 hours with battery swaps, Sentinel can patrol extensive borders to prevent smuggling of illicit goods.
