Sentinel
Sentinel – Vertical Precision Meets Enduring Performance
Sentinel is DroneVation’s next-generation VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) UAV—crafted to merge the agility of multirotors with the endurance and efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft. Designed and manufactured entirely within the AKSI integrated ecosystem, Sentinel delivers a professional-grade platform for survey, surveillance, reconnaissance, inspection, and border-security operations where range, payload flexibility, and reliability matter most.
Conventional multirotors excel in confined spaces but sacrifice range; fixed-wings fly far but require runways. Sentinel eliminates this trade-off. Its quad-plane configuration allows vertical lift for take-off and landing, followed by smooth transition to efficient forward flight—enabling hybrid missions from rugged terrains to narrow clearings with minimal ground infrastructure.
Key Highlights
Description
At its heart, Sentinel runs the KKA Autopilot, purpose-built for hybrid flight dynamics. Intelligent transition algorithms manage thrust, attitude, and aerodynamic blending between rotor and wing propulsion. Multiple flight modes—VTOL, Cruise, Hover, Auto, Loiter, and RTL—enable both manual and fully autonomous missions through DroneVation’s ground-control interface. Built-in redundancies in power and communication ensure safe, fail-operational performance even in demanding BVLOS or ISR environments.
The airframe, engineered by RoboClave Composites, uses high-modulus carbon-fiber skins with internal ribs for structural stiffness at minimum weight. The foldable wing and boom assembly simplifies transport, while aerodynamic optimization reduces drag and enhances lift-to-drag ratio for 2 + hour endurance in cruise. The AKSI Propulsion hybrid system integrates four vertical lift motors with an efficient pusher motor, all governed by synchronized ESC logic for smooth mode transitions.
Sentinel’s payload versatility sets it apart: it supports mapping-grade RGB sensors, EO/IR gimbals, and tactical zoom modules, with payloads up to 1.5 kg. The centrally balanced payload bay allows easy swaps between mission kits, while vibration isolation preserves image stability. The LiHi Energy smart battery pack, complemented by a secondary safety pack, provides real-time power diagnostics and extended cycle life.
Fully autonomous VTOL → Cruise → VTOL operations can be programmed in Mission Planner or QGroundControl, with adaptive climb rates and landing profiles suited for variable terrain. Encrypted dual-band telemetry supports control and live data streaming up to 20 km line-of-sight, while optional relay nodes enable beyond-range coordination.
Combining range, endurance, and vertical freedom, Sentinel redefines mission flexibility for modern UAV operators. Whether mapping long corridors, securing borders, or monitoring assets, it delivers fixed-wing performance with multirotor precision—a true sentinel of the skies.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Platform Type | Fixed-Wing VTOL (QuadPlane configuration) |
| Category / MTOW | Small UAV Class |
| Primary Applications | Survey & Mapping, Security & Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Infrastructure Inspection, Border Patrol, Disaster Management |
| Airframe Material | High-modulus carbon-fiber and composite sandwich panels (by RoboClave Composites) |
| Configuration | Hybrid quad-lift + single pusher motor (VTOL to Cruise transition) |
| Propulsion System | AKSI Propulsion Series – Brushless motors with synchronized ESC logic |
| Flight Controller | KKA Autopilot (Hybrid VTOL-compatible with transition control) |
| Flight Modes | VTOL / Cruise / Hover / Auto / Loiter / RTL / Manual |
| Endurance | Up to 180 minutes (cruise mode) / 90 minutes (hover-intensive missions) |
| Cruise Speed | 18–22 m/s (65–80 km/h) |
| Stall Speed | < 12 m/s |
| Operational Range | Up to 20 km LOS (extendable via relay node) |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 1.5 kg (swappable modular payload bay) |
| Payload Options | RGB Mapping Camera, EO/IR Gimbal, Tactical Zoom, Inspection Sensor Pods |
| Navigation System | Dual GNSS + Compass, Barometric Altimeter, Airspeed Sensor |
| Optional Aiding Sensors | Optical Flow, VIO, and ToF modules for low-GNSS or confined-area VTOL landing |
| Communication Link | Dual-band telemetry (900 MHz + 2.4 GHz) with AES-256 encryption |
| Battery System | Dual Smart Li-ion packs (LiHi Energy) with live telemetry and auto-balance control |
| Power Redundancy | Dual independent power buses (lift and cruise circuits isolated) |
| Transition Control | Fully autonomous VTOL-to-Cruise and Cruise-to-VTOL with adaptive thrust balancing |
| Take-off / Landing Area | Vertical (no runway required); supports semi-autonomous terrain adaptation |
| Deployment Time | < 5 minutes (foldable wing and boom assembly) |
| Operating Temperature | –10 °C to +50 °C |
| Build & Integration | 100% indigenous within the AKSI Ecosystem – Propulsion, Autopilot, Battery, Composites |
| Safety Features | Geofencing, Failsafe RTH, Mission Resume, Power/Firmware Redundancy, Dynamic Wind Compensation |
Key Features
Hybrid VTOL design – vertical take-off + fixed-wing cruise
Up to 120 minutes endurance in cruise mode
Smooth automatic transition (VTOL → Cruise → VTOL)
High-payload capacity (up to 1.5 kg)
Supports EO/IR gimbals, mapping payloads & tactical sensors
Dual-band encrypted telemetry with 20 km LOS range
Autonomous mission planning & advanced failsafe controls
Foldable wing & boom assembly for rapid field deployment
