Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 Fully Integrated to Mistral Helo Carrier

Photo Courtesy : Schiebel Group Twitter Page

According to a press release of Schiebel Group on 20th November, the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) announced that Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 is now fully integrated with French Navy Mistral class amphibious helicopter carrier Dixmude. For the first time in Europe, a rotary wing Unmanned Air System (UAS) is fully operational and connected to the defence system of an amphibious helicopter carrier.

The Naval Group carried out the necessary modification of the ship in spring 2019, after a successful operational 2-year testing phase ensuring the interoperability between the vessel and the UAS. The video output from the S-100 was integrated in the onboard combat system. With the Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100, the helicopter carrier is increasing its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
capabilities.

The CAMCOPTER® S-100 operates day and night and can carry multiple payloads with a combined weight of up to 50 kg. Due to its minimal logistical footprint and size, it is ideally suited for maritime operations.

“We’re extremely proud of the fact, that we are the first rotary wing UAS being operational and connected to an amphibious helicopter carrier in Europe. It is an honour to be working with the DGA, Naval Group and French Navy,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group.

CAMCOPTER S-100 UAV :

Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) is a proven capability for military and civilian applications. The Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAS needs no prepared area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and night, under adverse weather conditions, with a range out to 200 km, both on land and at sea. The S-100 navigates automatically via pre-programmed GPS waypoints or can be operated directly with a pilot control unit. Missions are planned and controlled via a simple point-and-click graphical user interface. High-definition payload imagery is transmitted to the control station in real time. Using “fly-by-wire” technology controlled by redundant flight computers, the UAV can complete its mission automatically in the most complex of electromagnetic environments. Its carbon fiber and titanium fuselage provides capacity for a wide range of payload / endurance combinations.

General Specifications :

Maximum airspeed            : 130 kts (240 km/h)
Dash Speed                      : 120 kts (222 Km/h)
Loiter Speed                     : 50 kts (102 km/h) for max endurance
Endurance                        : >6h with 34 kg (75 lbs)
                                         >10h with extra fuel tank
Service ceiling                   : 18.000 ft in ISA conditions
Airframe loading                : +3.5g to -1g rated
Operating temprature        : -40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F)
Wind (take off and landing : Up to 25 kn (46 km/h)