Hoverfly Technologies has successfully delivered a Sentry tethered unmanned aerial system (TeUAS) to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for trial and evaluation purposes. This acquisition is set to play a pivotal role in a series of military exercises scheduled for this year, showcasing the platform’s capabilities in enhancing “battlefield awareness and force protection.”
The American aerospace manufacturer partnered with Maser Defence, a tactical equipment supplier based in New South Wales, to facilitate this shipment. Hoverfly emphasizes that the Sentry system is designed to accommodate autonomous payloads necessary for continuous airborne missions, encompassing surveillance, extending communication networks, and executing anti-drone operations.
One of the standout features of the Sentry is its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing command and control frameworks, which enhances situational awareness and enables timely decision-making for military personnel. Hoverfly stated, “The inclusion of the Hoverfly Sentry in major ADF exercises highlights the growing interest in tethered UAS technology for enhancing battlefield awareness and force protection.”
The partnership between Hoverfly Technologies and Maser Defence not only aims to support the ADF’s defense initiatives but also seeks to bolster Australia’s sovereign defense capabilities and improve operational effectiveness for the nation’s military and security forces.
The Sentry system, which is a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system, is specifically designed for a variety of applications including surveillance, infrastructure and border monitoring, search and rescue operations, and disaster management. It is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared camera, a comprehensive sensor suite, and communication relays that facilitate a real-time intelligence feed for both day and night operations.
With a weight of up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and a payload capacity of 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds), the Sentry is notable for its tethered power source that enables continuous flight while extending up to 200 meters (656 feet). In operational scenarios, the Sentry can achieve altitudes of up to 150 meters (492 feet) and boasts a data transmission range of approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).
As military forces increasingly adopt advanced technologies, the Sentry’s capabilities could significantly transform how military operations are conducted, reinforcing the importance of continual innovation in defense methodologies.
