Revitalizing Rescue: Enhanced Sensors Boost Do228 NXT for Maritime Missions
OBERPFAFFENHOFEN – January 19, 2026
General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) is enhancing the operational capabilities of its cutting-edge Do228 NXT multi-role aircraft by introducing a sophisticated sensor option: the CPLS SENTINEL. This state-of-the-art technology, developed by CDA Systems, a leading innovator from Andorra specializing in aerospace and precision optics, is set to revolutionize mission effectiveness.
The integration of the SENTINEL sensor reinforces the Do228 NXT’s reputation as a versatile special mission aircraft. It serves various crucial roles, including search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, disaster response, maritime patrol, and humanitarian efforts.
Revolutionizing Search and Rescue Operations
The CPLS SENTINEL is an advanced cellular geolocation system designed to assist rescue teams in locating missing or endangered individuals with remarkable accuracy, even in challenging environments where conventional communication infrastructure has been compromised.
By leveraging preloaded or newly scanned cell tower data, SENTINEL creates an offline operational map for specific mission areas. Once an operator inputs a target phone’s ID, the system functions as a secure and non-intrusive base station, capturing the phone’s signal while maintaining privacy by not engaging with active networks.
Employing sophisticated Phase Difference of Arrival (PDOA) analysis, SENTINEL accurately identifies the phone’s location. Its intuitive graphical interface provides directional cues, coordinates, and mapping support to guide teams directly to individuals in distress. Operators can initiate direct text or voice communication and export mission-ready coordinates to external command systems for swift action.
Increased Mission Flexibility for the Do228 NXT
The Do228 NXT, with its user-friendly design featuring a rectangular fuselage cross-section and multiple sensor installation points, is exceptionally suited for sensor integration.
This newest iteration combines outstanding short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, proven reliability, and adaptable cabin configurations, greatly enhancing sensor integration possibilities. The addition of the CPLS SENTINEL further establishes the Do228 NXT as the premier platform for multi-role missions.
This versatility empowers operators to effectively conduct a variety of critical missions—including search and rescue, border surveillance, maritime patrol, disaster relief, medical evacuation, and environmental monitoring. As a result, the Do228 NXT opens new avenues for mission execution worldwide.
