The Schiebel Camcopter S-100 is a versatile unmanned aerial system (UAS) that has gained international recognition for its exceptional performance.
It has a flight endurance of up to 6 hours and can operate at altitudes of up to 4,500 meters.
The S-100 can be used for a variety of tasks, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and transportation of payloads.
Its compact design makes it easy to transport and deploy, with a weight of only 165 kilograms.
Design and Development
The Schiebel Camcopter S-100 was developed by the Austrian company Schiebel from 2003 to 2005.
It has a maximum take-off weight of 200 kg, which is equivalent to 440 pounds. The Camcopter S-100 can fly for 6 hours, and with optional external fuel tanks, it can extend its endurance to over 10 hours.
The UAS has a maximum speed of 220 km/h and a ceiling of 5,500 meters. It's powered by a 41 kW (55 hp) Diamond engine.
In 2012, Schiebel successfully tested a heavy-fuel engine that can use JP-5, Jet A-1, or JP-8 jet fuels, which are safer to store and handle than gasoline.
The Camcopter S-100 can carry various payloads, such as electro-optics and infrared sensors. It has a secondary radio link in the UHF band that operates within 433.2125 MHz to 434.4625 MHz.
In 2013, Schiebel flight tested a Thales Group I-Master surveillance radar system on the Camcopter S-100. The I-Master system weighs 30 kg and provides ground moving target indication and synthetic-aperture radar operations.
Specifications and Performance
The Camcopter S-100 is a remarkable unmanned aerial system (UAS) with impressive specifications and performance. It has a length of 3.11 meters (10 ft 2 in) and a width of 1.24 meters (4 ft 1 in), making it a compact yet capable aircraft.
The S-100 has a maximum takeoff weight of 200 kilograms (441 lb) and can carry a payload of 50 kilograms (110 lb).
Its powerplant is a Wankel rotary engine, which produces 41 kW (55 hp) of power. Alternatively, it can be powered by Schiebel's heavy fuel engine, which supports the use of various jet fuels.
The S-100 has a maximum speed of 220 kilometers per hour (140 mph, 120 kn) and a cruise speed of 190 kilometers per hour (120 mph, 100 kn). It can fly for up to 6 hours and has a service ceiling of 5,500 meters (18,000 ft).
Here are the key performance specifications of the Camcopter S-100:
The S-100 can also be equipped with two hardpoints, each carrying a Lightweight Multirole Missile. Its robust design and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for various applications, including surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
International and Military Use
The Schiebel Camcopter S-100 has been adopted by several countries for military use.
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Egypt, France, India, Italy, Jordan, Libya, Indonesia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Russia, Thailand, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States are among the countries that have used the S-100 for military purposes.
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The S-100 has also been used by the Indonesian Navy, the Indian Navy, and the Chinese Navy, among others.
The S-100 has been used for various tasks, including reconnaissance and surveillance.
Here are some notable military customers of the S-100:
- Argentina
- Australia (being phased out from the end of June 2024)
- Belgium
- Egypt
- France
- India
- Italy
- Jordan
- Libya
- Indonesia (Indonesian Navy)
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Russia
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- United Kingdom (from mid-2024)
The S-100 has also been used for naval operations, with countries like India, China, and the United Arab Emirates using it for sea trials and testing.
In 2009, Libya ordered four S-100s, which were placed under the command of the Khamis Brigade.
The S-100 has also been used by the German Navy, French Navy, and Royal Australian Navy for testing and evaluation purposes.
Operations and Options
The S-100's operational capabilities are truly impressive. It can be deployed in a variety of environments, from the Arctic to deserts, with minimal logistics and quick setup time.
The S-100's compact control station measures 6060 mm x 2440 mm (239" x 96″) and can be set up in just 3 hours, operated by 2 persons. This small footprint also allows it to be transported and operated from a 20′ container.
One of the key benefits of the S-100 is its flexibility, making it simple to integrate into vehicles and command and control systems. It can also be operated from urban and austere sites, giving it a wide range of deployment options.
Here are some key operational features of the S-100:
The S-100 can operate in harsh environmental conditions, including high sea states and strong cross-deck winds.
Operational Options
The Camcopter S-100 UAS is a highly versatile system that can be deployed in a variety of environments, from the cold of the Arctic to the heat of deserts.
Its minimal logistics footprint and ability to be quickly deployed make it an ideal choice for operations in remote or austere locations.
The system can be transported and operated from a standard 20′ container, making it easy to set up and take down.
The control station requires only 6060 mm x 2440 mm (239" x 96″) of space and can be set up in just 3 hours.
Two-person operations are possible, reducing the logistical burden and making it easier to deploy in remote areas.
The system's flexibility is unmatched, allowing for simple integration into vehicles and flexible integration into command and control systems.
Here are some key operational options:
The system can detect and track maritime-based objects and events, providing 360-degree coverage and accurate geo-location.
Its small equipment and logistics footprint make it an ideal choice for operations in remote or austere locations.
Operation is possible in harsh environmental conditions, high sea states, and strong cross-deck winds.
UAS Flight Tests
The UAS has undergone rigorous flight testing with various navies and armies around the world. These tests have taken place in multiple regions, including the Arabian Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Mediterranean.
In November 2007, the UAS performed a series of flight tests from an Indian Navy offshore patrol vessel in the Arabian Sea. The UAS successfully conducted reconnaissance missions from a Pakistan Navy frigate in the Arabian Sea in April 2008.
The UAS has also demonstrated its capabilities in the Baltic Sea, where the German Navy conducted flight trials from K130 Class corvettes in September 2008. The UAS was used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions.
The UAS has been tested in various environments, including the Mediterranean, where it demonstrated its maritime capabilities from the French Navy's Montcalm frigate in October 2008. This test showcased the UAS's ability to operate in a maritime setting.
In December 2008, the Austrian Army conducted test flights of the UAS for field exercises in a military training area near Vienna. The UAS has also been tested by the Italian Navy, which conducted a test flight from its Soldati Class frigate ITS Bersagliere in April 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the S-100 Camcopter?
The S-100 Camcopter drone costs approximately 1.3 billion Australian dollars ($930 million) for the Australian Navy contract.
Which country made Camcopter S-100?
The Camcopter S-100 was produced by the Austrian company Schiebel. It was developed in Austria, a country known for its innovative aviation technology.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schiebel_Camcopter_S-100
- https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Schiebel_Camcopter_S-100
- https://schiebel.net/products/camcopter-s-100-system-2/
- https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/camcopter-s-100-unmanned-air-system-uas/
- https://www.asdnews.com/news/defense/2024/02/14/schiebel-camcopter-s100-receives-operational-approval-australian-casa
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