Schiebel successfully completed the acceptance tests for the RAN of its new heavy fuel S2 engine for its Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS).
Delivered as a next generation replacement for the current propulsion unit, the enhancements offered by the S2 engine will enable the RAN to continue to expand their test and evaluation program, examining advanced Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAS capabilities ahead of Sea 129 Phase 5, which will select the future UAS capability for the RAN ́s new Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) as well as other ships.
A comprehensive series of test flight activities demonstrated both the endurance, and Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) - with multiple payloads - providing evidence that the S-100 fulfils requirements.
Throughout extensive tests, the S-100 system was equipped with a L3 Harris Wescam MX-10 real-time Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) camera, an Automatic Identification System (AIS), a L3 Harris Bandit transceiver and a Mode-S Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder. This configuration provides operators with the capability to locate and confirm the identity of vessels at sea, as well as transmitting the information in real time to users equipped with RoverTM remote video terminals.
The new lightweight heavy fuel engine is initially cleared for JP-5 (F-44) and Jet-A1 fuels with other fuel types to be approved in future. The company says the new engine increases the operational performance and maintainability of the S-100 and has sufficient capacity to meet anticipated future market growth needs.
“Given the single fuel policy adopted by the world’s Navies, we have responded to the requirement and have now developed, tested and produced our own Schiebel-designed heavy fuel engine for the Camcopter S-100 system. We are thrilled to have successfully completed the acceptance activities of the new capability for the RAN,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group.
A previous version of the heavy fuel engines failed to meet Navy’s requirement of six hour’s endurance with a 20kg payload.