Area Denial Sentinel Swarm
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| Advanced Autonomous Drone Swarm System | |
| In active service since 1726 AN | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Variants | |
| Developer & Manufacturer | Neridia Defense Industries and Sarbanes-Lopez CyberSecurity |
| Used by |
 Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie |
| Unit cost | NAX€ 300,000 per swarm (as of 1736 AN) |
| Weight | 1.5 kg per drone |
| Dimensions | 50 cm × 30 cm × 10 cm |
| Maximum range | 120 km (150 km with relay drones) |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h |
| ADSS-R | Reconnaissance |
| ADSS-A | Attack |
| ADSS-E | Electronic Warfare |
| ADSS-L | Logistics Support |
| In continuous service and development since 1726 AN | |
The Area Denial Sentinel Swarm (ADSS) is an advanced autonomous drone swarm system developed and produced by Neridia Defense Industries in collaboration with Sarbanes-Lopez CyberSecurity for the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie. First deployed in 1726 AN, the ADSS has undergone continuous refinement and improvement, becoming a cornerstone of Nouvelle Alexandrie's military strategy over the years.
Development History
The development of the ADSS began in 1713 AN-1715 AN, with Neridia Defense Industries and Sarbanes-Lopez CyberSecurity collaborating to address modern battlefield challenges. Initial field tests in 1717 AN during Operation Sovereign Borders revealed promising potential but also significant issues, particularly in drone synchronization and operation under field conditions. Subsequent testing and refinement phases in 1719 AN and 1720 AN focused on enhancing communication algorithms, implementing advanced error correction methods, updating AI algorithms, and improving navigation systems. Despite these improvements, the system faced setbacks during advanced testing in 1720 AN, including difficulties in adverse weather conditions and communication delays in areas with high electronic interference. Following successful resolution of these issues, the ADSS underwent preliminary testing and small-scale deployments from 1723 AN to 1725 AN. Full deployment across Nouvelle Alexandrie's military installations was achieved in 1726 AN, marking the beginning of its operational service.
During the initial stages of development, the ADSS was known as the Aerial Defense Sentinel Swarm, strongly suggestive of its intended role as a comparatively cost counter-UAV system. The impetus for the ADSS had been a worrying tendency on the part of the Confederacy of the Dispossessed to turn commercially available drones and light aircraft into remotely piloted flying bombs for use in harassment attacks against the member States of the Raspur Pact.
System Overview
As of 1736 AN, the ADSS consists of swarms typically comprising 2,000 individual drones, an increase from the original 1,500. Each drone now weighs 1.5 kg, down from 1.8 kg, and measures 50 cm × 30 cm × 10 cm. The maximum range has been extended to 120 km (150 km with relay drones), with an endurance of 5 hours. The drones can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h, a significant improvement from the original 150 km/h.
Variants
Four main variants of the ADSS are currently in active service:
- ADSS-R (Reconnaissance): Featuring advanced optical, thermal, and multi-spectral imaging systems.
- ADSS-A (Attack): Equipped with precision-guided munitions.
- ADSS-E (Electronic Warfare): Introduced in 1732 AN, capable of sophisticated electronic countermeasures.
- ADSS-L (Logistics Support): A new variant introduced in 1735 AN, designed for battlefield resupply and medical evacuation assistance.
Artificial Intelligence and Coordination
The ADSS utilizes a sophisticated AI platform for coordination and decision-making. This system enables real-time task allocation, adapting to changing battlefield conditions with minimal human input. Recent advancements include improved swarm resilience, allowing the system to maintain effectiveness even when a significant portion of the swarm is neutralized. Machine learning techniques have significantly enhanced target recognition and tracking capabilities. The AI now incorporates advanced predictive algorithms, anticipating potential threats based on historical data and real-time inputs. Human operators maintain ultimate control over critical decisions, with the AI operating within strict ethical guidelines and fully within the established rules of engagement.
Integration with Other Systems
The ADSS operates seamlessly with other military systems, including the Future Infantry Combat System and the Nouvelle Alexandrian Cyber-Electromagnetic Activities Visualization System. Recent upgrades have improved its integration with naval and space-based assets, enhancing its effectiveness in joint operations.
Operational History
Reconnaissance and light strike configurations of the ADSS were integrated as an organic capacity within Combined Arms Brigades of the Grand Army of the Federation and Marine Commando Brigades of the Federal Navy as part of the Force 1752 initiative.
Redesignated as the Area Denial Sentinel Swarm in 1751 AN, in view of the evolving reconnaissance and light strike roles that assignment to manoeuvre elements entailed, the ADSS remained primarily a counter-UAV system.
Ethical Considerations and Public Perception
The ADSS continues to spark debates about autonomous weapons systems. Recent polls show 62% support for the program among Nouvelle Alexandrian citizens, an increase from 58% in 1732 AN. The government maintains an open dialogue about the system's capabilities, limitations, and ethical framework.
