Air Sentinel is an inexpensive, versatile, unmanned aerial system (UAS) capable of detecting, locating and, if necessary, providing persistent target surveillance in support of tactical operations over land or water. Powerful intelligent agent-based software automates and augments much of the decision making processes in each of the critical function areas of unmanned, multi-platform operations, thereby reducing manpower requirements. These function areas cover the full operational spectrum and include mission design, aircraft/platform operational control, and multi-vehicle collaboration and coordination. Air Sentinel is constructed as a complete systems approach to dramatically alter how UASs are configured, employed, controlled, and operated. Launching and recovering multiple aircraft is a complicated set of tasks. For Persistent Surveillance, new aircraft must be launched in time for relief on station. Aircraft recoveries must be coordinated so that aircraft do not run out of fuel while waiting for their turn to land. Air Sentinel provides all of this coordination and a great deal more.

Air Sentinel identifies many time-consuming tasks that can be automated for the operator:

• Managing fuel ladders
• Calculating bingo time
• Monitoring RPM reading for fluctuations
• Keeping aircraft within safe flight boundaries

For multi-UAV operations:

• Deconflicts airspace
• Provides mission-planning