Kestrel Automated Detection Software being evaluated by Canadian Forces
Automated Target Detection to enhance Canadian Forces situational awareness capabilities for domestic and international surveillance
Melbourne, Australia – 19 July 2011 – Sentient announced today that the Canadian Forces (CF) are currently conducting an operational evaluation of Kestrel’s automated target detection capabilities on board the CP-140 Aurora, Canada’s primary Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. This represents the first sale of Kestrel intoCanada.
The CP-140 Aurora is primarily used in coastal surveillance and sovereignty patrols. To improve the aircraft’s operational capabilities (in line with the Aurora Incremental Modernization Project) the CF Maritime Proving and Evaluation Unit (MPEU) has purchased aKestrel Land and Kestrel Maritime license for evaluation purposes.
Kestrel is plug and play automated target detection software that processes in real time the aerial surveillance imagery from the CP-140 Aurora aircraft’s EO/IR full motion video sensors. Automatically detecting small, moving targets such as vehicles, fishing vessels and dismounts on the ground, it will support CF commanders in their wide area surveillance tasks. “The CP-140 Aurora’s maritime and overland surveillance missions are of vital importance in protecting Canada’s sovereignty”, stated Simon Olsen, Sales Manager of Sentient. “Kestrel’s unique ability to automatically detect and track small targets down to 2×2 pixels will enhance effectiveness of these missions.
The software offers ISR operators / image analysts a clear understanding of the situation on the ground, assisting them in their security, counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling operations.” Sentient is working with MPEU to ensure that Kestrel addresses all CF requirements, providing an advanced situational awareness capability for domestic and international surveillance
