As of this writing, 80% of the casualties in the Russo-Ukraine war are caused by FPV drones. These small drones can be destroyed with a shotgun but at least one soldier must be watching at all times for drones approaching from all directions. Vehicles such as tanks, APVs, and supply trucks are also vulnerable. Protecting a vehicle would require multiple soldiers serving as lookouts in addition to the driver.

Sentinel will use ultrasonic sensors and LIDAR to detect the presence of small FPV drones. When a threat is detected it destroys the drone by automatically aiming and firing a shotgun. The cost per engagement is less than $1 USD assuming 4 shots or less are discharged. This will be effective whether the drone is controlled by radio, fiber optic cable, or artificial intelligence.

The shotgun will be mounted on a 2-axis gimbal similar to what is used for image stabilization in photography. It will be a type compatible with drum magazines such as the Saiga-12 or Fostech Origin-12 and will be equipped with a drum magazine holding up to 50 rounds.

Sentinel devices could protect the entrance to buildings or dugouts. It could also protect vehicles. It will be effective against swarms of small droness. It is not intended to protect against larger, fast moving UAVs such as Iranian Shahed or AeroVironment Switchblade.

Soldiers need to eat and rest. They get distracted. It is not reasonable to expect them to constantly be scanning 360° and overhead for drones.

Sentinel never sleeps!