Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 supports coastguard missions in France and Belgium for enhanced maritime safety.

According to a PR published by Schiebel on September 25, 2024, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has contracted Schiebel to support multi-purpose maritime operations in the Channel (La Manche) and the southern North Sea with its advanced Unmanned Air System (UAS), the CAMCOPTER® S-100.
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CAMCOPTER® S-100 unmanned aerial vehicle in Northern France. (Picture source: Schiebel)

This operation aims to assist maritime authorities in France and Belgium, enhancing a range of coastguard functions, including emission monitoring and search and rescue operations.

Stationed at the Gris-Nez Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Pas-de-Calais, France, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 operates within airspace approved by civil aviation authorities. Its deployment provides critical support for maritime safety, environmental protection, and surveillance efforts. The UAS also plays a key role in responding to maritime accidents and disasters.

Equipped with advanced sensor technology, the S-100 is fitted with a Trakka TC-300 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, an Explicit Mini Sniffer for emission monitoring, a Becker Avionics BD406 Emergency Beacon Locator, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, and a Mode-S Transponder ADS-B out. This array of equipment allows the UAS to detect small objects and anomalies at sea.

Background

One of the demonstrations of the CAMCOPTER S-100’s capabilities occurred during the NATO-led REPMUS and Dynamic Messenger 2023 exercises in Portugal. The exercises involved cutting-edge deployments for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), and environmental assessment. The UAV successfully deployed NATO-standard G-size sonobuoys, showcasing its potential as an end-to-end solution for ASW missions​.

In 2024, Schiebel has achieved significant milestones with the CAMCOPTER S-100, including receiving civil airspace approval in Australia, marking it as the first VTOL UAS to gain such recognition. This opens up its utility beyond defense, allowing it to operate in civilian environments​.