Schiebel Group demos UAS in maritime environment

VIENNA, April 30 (UPI) -- Austria’s Schiebel Group reports its Camcopter S-100 unmanned air system has demonstrated its capabilities in a maritime environment for Dutch authorities.

The demonstration involved five maritime scenarios and was conducted in the North Sea, west of Den Helder, the Netherlands, from a Dutch Navy vessel.

The UAS used a L3 Wescam MX-10 electro-optic sensor as a payload, the company said.

”This series of trials once again showed how the S-100 can provide a cost effective capability to maritime commanders and decision makers whether ashore or afloat,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, chairman of the Schiebel Group of companies.

Scenarios involved a fire aboard an abandoned ship loaded with dangerous substances. The Camcopter S-100 provided eyes-on information to would-be rescuers and helped locate missing crew.

In another scenario, the UAS tracked a ship suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking.

“During all scenarios the Camcopter S-100 ably demonstrated its flexibility, versatility and persistence, all of which are the key to successful operation in maritime environment,” the company said.

The Camcopter S-100 is a vertical takeoff and landing UAS with a beyond line-of-sight range of as much as 124 miles. It navigates using pre-programmed GPS waypoints or is operated with a pilot control unit.