General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) is expanding the mission capabilities of its new Do228 NXT multi-role aircraft with the offering of a new advanced sensor option: the CPLS SENTINEL, developed by CDA Systems, a technology innovator from Andorra specializing in aerospace, communications and precision optics.
With the additional option of SENTINEL, the Do228 NXT further strengthens its position as a versatile special mission aircraft and high-performance platform for search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, disaster response, maritime patrol and humanitarian missions.
Sensor option strengthens search and rescue operations
The CPLS SENTINEL is a state-of-the-art cellular geolocation system that enables rescue teams to locate missing or endangered people with exceptional accuracy – even in remote regions or areas where traditional communication infrastructure has been destroyed.
Using preloaded or newly scanned cell tower information, SENTINEL builds an offline operational map for mission areas. Once the operator enters a target phone’s ID, the system acts as a secure and non-intrusive base station, detecting the phone’s signal without interacting with live networks or accessing personal user data.
Through advanced Phase Difference of Arrival (PDOA) analysis, SENTINEL pinpoints the phone’s exact location. An intuitive graphical interface displays directional cues, coordinates and mapping support to guide teams directly to the individual in distress. Operators can establish direct text or voice contact and export mission-ready coordinates into external command systems for immediate action.
Enhanced mission flexibility for the Do228 NXT
With its operator-friendly design featuring a rectangular fuselage cross-section and numerous installation points for sensors, the Do228 NXT is ideally suited for sensor integration.
The new Do228 NXT combines exceptional short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, proven reliability and flexible cabin configuration as well as sensor integration options. With the addition of the CPLS SENTINEL to the growing list of possible sensor options for the Do228 NXT, GA-ATS further solidifies the aircraft’s position as the leading platform for multi-role missions.
This allows for a wide variety of missions such as search and rescue operations, border surveillance, maritime surveillance, disaster relief, medical evacuation as well as environmental and wildfire monitoring to be carried out even more effectively. This provides an increasing number of mission possibilities for Do228 operators around the world.
