Schiebel Camcopter S-300 Selected for Anti-Sub Evaluation

The European Defence Fund has selected Schiebel’s Camcopter S-300 uncrewed air system (UAS) to be assessed as part of a European Union-backed initiative to mature anti-submarine technology. Based on a June 1 announcement, the S-300 will be part of the Stand-off anti-submarine Warfare Operations by Remote Deployment (SWORD) program.

The SWORD consortium will be led by German maritime defense technology developer TKMS Atlas Elekronik and will run for 36 months. With involvement by several other European partners, the project aims to advance a mature concept design for future anti-submarine warfare capabilities via a ‘system-of-systems’ approach.

As the chosen airborne platform, the VTOL-capable S-300 will leverage its endurance of up to 24 hours and cruise speed of 55 knots, with a payload capacity of up to 350 kilograms (771 pounds). A triple-blade folding rotor system allows two S-300 units and one ground control station to be stored in a single standard 20-foot container. 

The S-300 is currently undergoing what its developers described as “an extensive flight test campaign,” with initial results confirming performance, stability, and mission versatility. Schiebel, which also produces a smaller S-100 UAS, said the larger model provides "a flexible airborne capability for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as extended mission profiles.”

According to Schiebel, the S-300 is suitable for complex maritime missions and the remote deployment of advanced sensor and mission payloads diue to its extended flight endurance, increased payload and compact operational footprint.