Vertical Takeoff and Landing at Sea – S-100 Demonstrating its Capabilities

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The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned air vehicle (UAV) CAMCOPTER S-100 has successfully demonstrated its capabilities to the Hellenic Navy. Schiebel’s UAV was stationed onboard the Elli-Class Frigate Aigaion (F-460) in the Mediterranean Sea west of Crete.

In a one-week trial, the S-100 showcased its range, endurance and speed, as well as its maritime surveillance and detection capabilities, to the Hellenic Navy.

For the demonstration flights, the CAMCOPTER S-100 was equipped with a Trakka TC-300 EO/IR sensor and a Shine Micro Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.

The scenarios alternated day and night take-offs and landings and included cooperation with other Hellenic Navy vessels, maritime traffic monitoring and coast observation. 

The UAV is an operationally proven capability for military and civilian applications. It requires no prepared area or supporting equipment to enable launch and recovery. It operates by day and by night, under adverse weather conditions, with a beyond line-of-sight capability out to 200 km / 108 nm, over land and sea. 

In a typical configuration, the UAV carries a 34-kg / 75-lbs payload up to 10 hours. High-definition payload imagery is transmitted to the control station in real time. 

In addition to its standard GPS waypoint or manual navigation, the S-100 can successfully operate in environments where GPS is not available, with missions planned and controlled via a simple point-and click graphical user interface. 

Operated by 14 navies worldwide, the CAMCOPTER S-100 is the only UAV of its class with extensive flight experience, according to the company’s announcement.