Alpine Eagle

Alpine Eagle is the developer of Sentinel, a groundbreaking counter-UAS (unmanned aerial system) solution that combines a swarm of networked European-made UAVs with 360-degree active radar to provide unobstructed line of sight, delivering superior capabilities to traditional ground-based systems.

Backed by a team of expert engineers, scientists and military advisors, the ITAR-free system has been tested and fielded by the Bundeswehr, a NATO member, and is a proven enabler of persistent overwatch and mission continuity for both on-the-move and fixed-site operations.

Networked aerial overwatch for superior counter-drone protection

Modern drone threats often operate at low altitudes, using urban, mountainous, or forested terrain to obscure their approach. This terrain masking confounds traditional ground-based counter-UAS systems, which are also vulnerable against swarm attacks and electronic warfare (EW).

Sentinel allows a single operator to rapidly deploy multiple mesh-networked UAVs equipped with active radar and optional EO/IR sensors. By providing unobstructed line-of-sight, the system overcomes the limitations of ground-based solutions while ensuring reliable detection and classification of Group 1 & 2 UAS, loitering munitions, and ground targets at ranges of up to 4 km.

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.

This powerful capability provides an early warning against incoming threats and enables their interception at a stand-off distance. Data can be synced with a range of C2 systems and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors to provide interoperability and comprehensive neutralization capabilities.

Thanks to its resilient architecture, Sentinel is able to operate effectively in GNSS- and communications-denied environments.

Learn more: Sentinel airborne counter-UAS system

Active radar & EO/IR detection meets powerful edge AI computing

Each Sentinel UAV is equipped with active radar and optional EO/IR sensors, providing precise real-time tracking and actionable intelligence. Unlike traditional active radar solutions, Sentinel can make use of active radar without disclosing the location of the operator.

Onboard edge AI processing correlates sensor data across the swarm, enabling accurate target discrimination while greatly reducing bandwidth demands. UAS and ground-based targets can be reliably distinguished from background clutter such as birds, debris, and structures.

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 onboard edge computed AI 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.

Applications

Mobile Convoy Protection
Sentinel can be deployed in just 20 minutes, and can be used to safeguard convoy routes in challenging or unknown terrain such as urban and mountainous regions.

Fixed-Site Defense
Providing long-endurance capabilities of up to 72 hours with battery swaps, Sentinel is ideal for providing continuous overwatch of military bases, camps and forward operating posts.

Critical Infrastructure Security
Sentinel can be deployed in complex and urban environments to protect critical military, civilian and government assets such as power plants and utilities, airports and harbors.

Border Patrol
With long-range and long-endurance capabilities, Sentinel can patrol wide areas and extensive borders to prevent smuggling of illicit goods and guard against other security threats.