Austrian company Schiebel presented updated specifications of the Camcopter S-300 UAV at the Paris Air Show.
EDR online has already reported on the Camcopter S-300 variant, which is a larger version of the Camcopter S-100 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV, which is well-known on the international market. At Le Bourget Schiebel detailed for the first time some technical specifications of its bigger UAV, which is currently undergoing testing and which production is planned to begin in 2026.
The takeoff mass of the S-300 is 660 kg, the dry mass being about 320 kg, which means that 340 kg are available for fuel and sensors payload. The Camcopter S-300 has a 300 litres fuel tank; when operating at maximum range the fuel mass is short of 250 kg, which leaves 90 kg for sensors. With the full fuel load the Camcopter S-300 has a 24-hour endurance; all compromises between endurance and payload are possible, down to a 6-hour endurance that allows the new Schiebel VTOL UAV to fly with a 250 kg payload.
The Camcopter 300 airframe is 4,850 mm long, 1,890 mm high, and 900 mm wide; the diameter of the three-bladed main rotor is 5,300 mm. It is powered by a heavy fuel aviation engine, compliant with the NATO single-fuel policy (Jet A-1, JP-8 and JP-5). The maximum speed is 220 km/h, cruising speed is 100 km/h, the operating altitude is up to 6,400 metres. Takeoff and landing can be performed at a wind speed of up to 46 km/h and sea state 5. The range of the data link is up to 200 km.
According to a Schiebel representative the S-300 has a high level of commonality with the S-100, which allows operators of the smaller UAV to switch to the new product with minimal additional training.
To expand the capabilities of the new unmanned helicopter, the developer plans to integrate satellite communications that will allow to extend its operational range beyond line of sight.
Compared to the S100, the Camcopter S-300 is capable of carrying a much more powerful radar for detecting surface targets, which may be of interest to many military customers. A device with the dimensions of the S-300 can also be equipped with up to eight hydroacoustic buoys, which significantly increase its potential in anti-submarine warfare missions.
A triple-blade folding rotor system allows to store two S-300 UAVs and one Ground Control Station (GCS) in a standard 20-ft container.
Images courtesy Schiebel