Military drones for the Royal Canadian Navy: MDA Space orders up to six Camcopter S-100 from Schiebel

Only the day before, Schiebel had announced two new products, the weapon-capable Camcopter S-101 and S-301. Now the manufacturer of military drones is also reporting an order from MDA Space: the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is to receive up to six Camcopter S-100 for its Halifax-class ships.

According to a press release from the manufacturer, the Camcopter S-100 meets all the strict requirements the RCN has set for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR). The vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platform can be operated around the clock and in all weather. The system delivers ISTAR situational pictures in real time – even at distances of up to 100 nautical miles (185 kilometres) from the ship.

Payloads of the military drones for maritime operations

Numerous payloads for maritime operations can be carried: maritime radar, electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, automatic identification systems (AIS) or IFF transponders that distinguish friend from foe. According to Schiebel, “the ISTAR UAS project will significantly enhance the RCN’s ability to detect and monitor potential maritime threats at home and abroad.”

The Chairman of the Schiebel Group, Hans Georg Schiebel, said: “We are very pleased to have been awarded this contract and are honoured to support the ISTAR capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy.” He added: “With its operationally proven maturity and its ability to integrate multiple sensors required for the demanding maritime domain, the Camcopter S-100 is ideally suited to meet the RCN’s evolving requirements for continuous maritime reconnaissance and situational awareness.”