Schiebel has completed the first CAMCOPTER S-300 flight test campaign in France, marking an important milestone in the programme’s progression. The flights were conducted at the CESA Drones test site in Sainte-Hélène near Bordeaux, where the S-300 further expanded the operational envelope, reaching a total of 100 flight hours.
Schiebel press release
The flight activities in France build on previous experience gained with the CAMCOPTER S-300 and represent a further step in expanding the aircraft’s operational flight envelope. Conducted in a military environment, the flights focused on verifying key flight characteristics and overall system performance.
“France has been a trusted partner for Schiebel for many years, making it a natural location for the next phase of CAMCOPTER S-300 flight activities,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “Our long-standing relationship with the
French Navy and our local presence through Schiebel Aéronaval SAS reflect our deep roots in France, while the S-300 is being developed to meet the requirements of international military and government users worldwide, building on Schiebel’s global
experience in unmanned aviation.”
During the flights, the CAMCOPTER S-300 demonstrated stable and controlled behaviour while undergoing typical evaluations for an unmanned air system at this stage, including handling qualities, flight control response and overall aircraft
performance.
The CAMCOPTER S-300 builds directly on Schiebel’s extensive experience with the CAMCOPTER S-100, a maritime-proven unmanned helicopter with several hundred thousand flight hours accumulated worldwide. Drawing on this operational heritage, the S-300 is designed to deliver increased payload capacity, extended endurance and enhanced mission flexibility for demanding military and government applications.
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Naval News comments:
The Camcopter S-300, a larger version of the Camcopter S-100, was unveiled/teased by Schiebel at Euronaval 2022. The UAS is 4.8 meters long, 1.9 meter high and 0.9 meter wide. It can fly at a maximum speed of 120 knots (cruising speed 55 knots). Size apart, the true difference compared to the S-100 system is the payload capacity. Indeed the S-300 is able to carry up to 340 Kg (fuel including) and its maximum take-off weight can reach 660 Kg. This is basically three times more compared the S-100 can carry. With a 50 Kg payload, the S-300 can fly up to 24 hours (4 hours with 250 Kg).
Schiebel won, a year ago, a contract for the development and delivery of the Camcopter S-300 VTOL UAV for the ROK Navy.