The Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 is not your average UAS – it’s a game-changer. Picture this: a medium-range, medium-endurance marvel, it is designed to tackle all sorts of missions, from surveillance and border patrol to fire control, target designation, damage assessment and even mine detection in marine environments. But wait, there’s more! This UAS can also handle search and rescue ops, aerial photography, power-grid monitoring and yes, even crowd control using tear gas in civil applications. Talk about versatility!
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The CAMCOPTER® S-100 is armed with a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system, meaning no need for fancy launch and recovery equipment. Just pre-program those GPS waypoints, and this UAS is ready to roll – or rather, fly. It’s all about automation.
In a first in 2020, Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAV performed a resupply mission during US Army exercise. This was the first time when autonomous VTOL UAV resupplied US Army troops with battlefield cargo.
Now, the Real Buzz
Indian Navy is in the process of getting these system as part of initial procurement of tactical UAS. Schiebel Systems India and local firm VEM Technologies are assembling, integrating and testing these VTOL-capable aircraft along with the assembly and integration of payloads in Hyderabad with Schiebel India also progressing ahead on the creation of the MRO facility for maintenance of these systems for the Navy.
Aligned with India’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) goal, Austria-based Schiebel has become a key player in the Indian defence ecosystem, and steadily establishing a robust supply chain to achieve around 60 per cent indigenous components in its flagship CAMCOPTER® S-100
The Indian Navy intends to deploy the aircraft on naval vessels over 100 m in length. It said the system will be used for surveillance missions, signals intelligence, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and maritime domain awareness around a naval task group. Secondary roles include anti-piracy measures, anti-terrorist activities, and search-and-rescue support.
Aligned with India’s Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) goal, Austria-based Schiebel has become a key player in the Indian defence ecosystem, and steadily establishing a robust supply chain to achieve around 60 per cent indigenous components in its flagship CAMCOPTER® S-100. Schiebel Corporation says it will seek to maximise local content.
Performance Specs
Sleek and versatile, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 can carry different payloads based on what the customer needs. With a 34 kg payload and a standard six-hour flight time, this drone can even land on helicopter deck-equipped ships without breaking a sweat.
Fast forward to 2010, and Schiebel decides to soup up their creation. They add an extra external fuel tank, boosting range, endurance, and electrical power outputs.
As for the sensors, this UAV has it all – electro-optical and infrared sensors, plus thermal surveillance equipment. It even boasts a Remotely Operated Video Enhanced Receiver (ROVER) system, giving the ground control station operator exclusive views of the action.
In the performance department, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 is no slouch. With a max speed of 222 kph and a cruise speed of 101 kph, it can zip around the skies for up to six hours. It can reach a ceiling height of nearly 18,000 feet, covering a range of 200 km.
And here’s the kicker – with a maximum take-off weight of 200 kg. It’s like the superhero of the drone world – lightweight but packs a punch.
The CAMCOPTER® S-100 integrates the strengths of manned and unmanned platforms, delivering accuracy, flexibility and continuous learning. These unmanned wingmen are not just cost-effective; they’re changing the game in ISR, early warning tasks, and suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD)
Revolutionising ASW
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) gets a dynamic makeover with the CAMCOPTER® S-100. Thanks to Schiebel’s collaboration with Thales, this drone is not just dispensing NATO standard sonobuoys – it’s changing the game. Real-time underwater acoustic data relayed to a Combat Management System on a ship? That’s a game-changer.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming
Welcome to the future of aerial systems – Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). The CAMCOPTER® S-100 integrates the strengths of manned and unmanned platforms, delivering accuracy, flexibility and continuous learning. These unmanned wingmen are not just cost-effective; they’re changing the game in ISR, early warning tasks, and suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD).
Breakthrough in MCM
Mine Counter Measures (MCM) just got a major boost with the CAMCOPTER® S-100. Working with RIEGL, this drone achieved 100 per cent detection of all mine targets. Navies operating in mine-proliferated waters, take note!
Advancing REA
Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) missions get a boost with the CAMCOPTER® S-100. Deploying advanced AUVs and profiling floats, this drone is changing the game in bathy assessment, ensuring safe navigation and threat engagement for Anti-Submarine Frigates.
With a long-term vision, Schiebel is not just confident; it’s ready for the future. The Indian defence and civilian market better get ready because they are here to stay. As it sets its sights on collaboration with more Indian partners, the journey forward looks nothing short of extraordinary
Unmanned Future Beckons
In the world of naval defence, unmanned solutions are the future. The S-100 is not just relevant; it’s essential. During large-scale NATO exercises, Schiebel showcased its multi-mission capability, reconfiguring the CAMCOPTER® S-100 between operations. As Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, puts it, “The CAMCOPTER® S-100 once again proved to be a vital unmanned asset.”
Looking Ahead
With a long-term vision, Schiebel is not just confident; it’s ready for the future. The Indian defence and civilian market better get ready because they are here to stay. As it sets its sights on collaboration with more Indian partners, the journey forward looks nothing short of extraordinary.
So, there you have it – the Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100, a tech marvel taking flight and rewriting the rules of UAVs. Get ready for the future of airborne versatility.
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