Caerphilly-based Drone Evolution is launching a new, tethered unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system called Sentinel at DSEI 2023, held in London from 12 to 15 September.
Designed and built in the UK, the Sentinel system has been teamed with the MPU5 MESH radio manufactured by Worcestershire-based Steatite to create an airborne rebroadcasting node that also provides a persistent surveillance capability for situational awareness.
Noting that the Sentinel tether system is quicker to deploy and lighter to carry than a mast-based system, Drone Evolution states that the combination of a tethered UAV and radio/camera/thermal imaging system is ideal for applications such as: intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance duties, force protection or event security.
The components of the Sentinel system include: a foldable UAV mainframe featuring four “powerful, energy-efficient” motors, allowing it to carry a range of payloads; a sturdy, lightweight, water-resistant Pelicase; a ground power unit able to run from 120/240 V mains power or generator (able to supply a 22 V 1 kW line out for payload use); 50 m of lightweight four-core micro tether with hand reel. Drone Evolution has stated that an autoreel capability will also soon to be available.
The Sentinel UAV can be powered by Drone Evolution’s patented Freedom power supply unit (PSU), which can output 100-500 V from a 12 V or 24 V vehicle power supply, allowing Sentinel to be mobilised and remain airborne for extended periods of time, reaching heights of 50 m for six hours and potentially beyond.
Drone Evolution states that Sentinel is the only system capable of running directly from a 12 V or 24 V 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, the company asserts.
Toby Townrow, Drone Evolution’s communications director, was quoted by the company as saying, “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.”
Seb Leaver, Steatite’s business development manager, 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 it prohibitive.”
Peter Felstead
