Nova-I 1

Nova-I 1 is the volume configuration of the Nova-I line. It is matched to the core subsonic, low-to-medium-altitude one-way attack profile and operates as the kinetic interceptor layer within Picket.

Mission scenario

A sensor detects an inbound one-way attack drone and passes the track into Sentinel Fusion. Picket maintains the track, supports classification and assigns the appropriate interceptor. The operator reviews the engagement and authorizes launch. Nova-I 1 then closes the target and completes the terminal intercept inside the authorized envelope.

This is a drone-on-drone task. The objective is to reserve missile-class systems for threats that require them and use a purpose-built interceptor against the volume OWA problem.

Configuration

• Threat class: core subsonic one-way attack drones at low-to-medium altitude.
• Role: baseline kinetic intercept.
• Family position: volume tier below Nova-I 2’s extended envelope.
• System: Picket sensor cueing with Sentinel Fusion and Command.
• Authority: human launch authorization followed by bounded terminal autonomy.

Key advantages

Purpose-built scope

Nova-I 1 focuses on a defined OWA profile rather than carrying the cost and complexity of a general-purpose air-defense missile.

Connected cue-to-intercept chain

Detection, track fusion, operator decision and intercept remain within Picket and Sentinel.

Volume-tier role

The baseline configuration covers the main threat class, leaving the higher-performance Nova-I 2 for the cases that require it.

Explicit command boundary

The operator authorizes launch. Terminal autonomy cannot expand the target class or mission envelope and engagement authority does not pass laterally between platforms.

Family fit

Nova-I 1 and Nova-I 2 share the same counter-air doctrine and command environment. The distinction is threat envelope, not a separate operator system.