Austrian defence firm Schiebel has launched the armed, next-generation versions of its successful rotary-wing Camcopter uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
The S-101 and S-301 are evolutions of the S-100 and S-300 platforms already in use with a number of armed forces globally, including the Royal Navy: its Peregrine S-100 variant uses the Thales I-Master radar and other sensors.
As per a company press statement: “The armed S-101 and S-301 introduce a new era of innovation and precision strike capability for a tactical UAS.”
It added: “The company ensures the new platforms are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of military forces, with a focus on integrating already in-service missiles and rockets well suited to tactical rotary platforms that will provide a persistent and distributed lethality option against asymmetric threats allowing engagement at stand-off ranges.”
The firm wants to market the UAS, designed to be able to continue to operate in contested electromagnetic environments, to both navies and land forces alike.
Group chairman Hans Georg Schiebel commented: “The worldwide security landscape is shifting rapidly and we are seeing a significant increase in demand for armed unmanned platforms and systems…
“The launch of the weaponised Camcopter S-101 and S-301 platforms reflects our commitment to providing armed forces with advanced, reliable and mission-ready armed systems that meet the challenges of modern operations.”
The firm’s base S-100 diesel-powered platform was launched in 2005 and had a 200kg maximum take-off weight including a 50kg payload, and an endurance of up to 10 hours. Since then, variants have facilitated the use of different sensors and fuels.
To date, at least 20 different national navies operate Schiebel’s UAS, as well as a further eight non-miltary users.
- You can read more details on the Schiebel website