Italian Navy selects Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 UAV

The Italian Navy is set to become the first European navy to operate the Camcopter S-100 UAV following the signing of a contract with Schiebel. The UAV will be used in support of Italian Navy ships employed in anti-piracy missions.

Under the contract, Schiebel will supply one Camcopter S-100 system, training, integration and spare parts.

The Camcopter S-100 was flown from the ITS Bersagliere of the Italian Navy in April 2012, when it demonstrated a number of missions for Italian Navy observers.

Hans Georg Schiebel, chairman, Schiebel Group, said: ‘The Camcopter S-100 continues to be a proven and highly sought after asset in maritime operations. Its ability to extend a ship commander’s visible and electronic horizon to beyond what is conventionally possible is a powerful instrument that helps to counter possible threats, secure routes and control recourses at less operational cost. This quality has already garnered the interest of several global navies where the S-100’s robust nature has proven effective, particularly in the unforgiving maritime environment.’

Mounted with a Wescam MX-10 and a Shine Micro Automatic Identification System, the S-100 has the capability to collect time-critical data for up to 6 hours, providing decision makers with a flexible unique means of collecting and disseminating information. The S-100 will be mounted with a Schiebel-designed harpoon system, which supports takeoff and landing in conditions up to Sea State 5.

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Camcopter S-100