Schiebel showcased its CAMCOPTER S-100 at the NATO-supported exercise REPMUS 2024 (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems), hosted by the Portuguese Navy. For the third consecutive year, the S-100 demonstrated its exceptional multi-mission capabilities within the maritime domain.
Sponsored by the UK Royal Navy and in partnership with Thales, the S-100 successfully completed multiple missions over the three-week exercise. It stood out for its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, as well as its solutions for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Mine Counter Measures (MCM), and Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA).
Sonobuoy Deployment and Data Relay (ASW)
Last year, the CAMCOPTER S-100 showcased its sonobuoy dispenser, deploying four G-size sonobuoys from the air to create a small ASW barrier. This year, it took a step further by deploying A-size sonobuoys alongside the G-size units. A second S-100, equipped with the Thales BlueTracker communications payload, relayed the sonobuoy signals back to the ground station in real-time, providing critical range extension. The mission was planned and monitored using the Thales M-Cube Mission Management System, with BlueTracker processing the acoustic signals and disseminating underwater targets to the Combat Management System, creating an integrated capability for ASW operations.
Bathymetric and Topographic Mapping (MCM and REA)
The CAMCOPTER S-100 was outfitted with the VQ-860-G and VUX-120 LiDAR systems from Austrian company Riegl, allowing it to scan exercise waters for both drifting and moored mines. The laser scanners enabled simultaneous bathymetric and topographic mapping underwater, on the surface, and along coastlines, making the S-100 an invaluable asset for detecting sea mines (for MCM) and supporting amphibious operations (for REA). The mission was managed with the Thales M-Cube Mission Management System, and a task order was subsequently issued to mine clearance divers to identify the mines detected by the UAS, showcasing an integrated capability for MCM and REA operations.
“Maritime warfare utilizing UAS is becoming more and more front of mind for Navies all over the world. Using the latest technology combined with a proven unmanned asset provides an end-to-end solution for ASW that saves valuable time and significantly reduces risks,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “With our 20-plus years of operational experience, especially in the harsh maritime environment flying from ships, and the exceptional technical specifications of the S-100, it is the ideal UAS to showcase the latest unmanned airborne capabilities at REPMUS.”
