Automated Life Jacket Detection enhances Search and Rescue Operations

Sentient to add Automated Life Jacket Detection to Kestrel Maritime

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 20 February 2011 – Sentient has enhanced its automated target detection
solution Kestrel Maritime to detect small, high visibility objects such as life jackets, supporting
maritime search and rescue operations.

Kestrel Maritime is a software solution that processes electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) full
motion video (FMV) from manned and unmanned vehicles (UAVs). The Life Jacket Detection

enhances Kestrel Maritime’s EO capability to automatically detect small, high visibility objects whilst searching wide maritime areas.

“Reducing detection time is critical to search and rescue operations. People and small objects in
water are hard to locate, especially in difficult conditions,” said Dr Paul Boxer, Managing Director of
Sentient. “Kestrel’s Life Jacket Detection adds a new level to maritime rescue operations. Reliably
alerting operators to the location of high visibility objects at the earliest opportunity, the software will help to save lives.”

The original Kestrel Maritime application operates in real-time, automatically detecting small objects such as pirate or illegal fishing vessels and objects with low electronic signature. The solution takes into account whitecaps, sun glare and other challenging visibility effects.

Complementing radar Kestrel Maritime supports a wide range of maritime ISR patrol missions.
Sentient is currently showcasing Kestrel Maritime at the International Defence Exhibition &
Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Demonstrations, which are open to
customers, media and partners, take place at the Sentient booth (#11-C02).