The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has offered the Schiebel Camcopter S-100 unmanned aerial system to support coast guard functions in Finland, Estonia and Sweden.
The UAS started maritime surveillance duties on July 4, under the command of Finland.
According to EMSA, this operation is an example of the gradual phasing-in of the new “regional approach” to remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS) operations for which preparations have started in 2020. In addition, participation in the HELCOM Balex Delta exercise, organised by Estonia, is also planned for August with the deployment of the RPAS on board the Finnish offshore patrol vessel Turva. This exercise includes the participation of the member states in the region.
The S-100 is capable to take off and land vertically from an area of 8x8m, has a flight endurance of more than six hours, and a range of more than 200km. The aircraft carries a payload of optical and infrared cameras as well as an AIS receiver and an automated maritime surface search sensor which detects targets at sea during daytime.
EMSA awarded the multi-year maritime surveillance contract for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) RPAS to Schiebel in November 2018. In execution of this contract, Schiebel provides simultaneous maritime surveillance services to several EU member states and EU bodies. Currently, the S-100 is also operational in the Republic of Croatia supporting the Maritime Safety Directorate of the Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia.
“The S-100 has extensive experience in the maritime domain. It is the UAS of choice when it comes to sophisticated maritime surveillance. We’re proud to be EMSA’s chosen RPAS providing vital surveillance services to its member states,” Hans Georg Schiebel, chairman of the Schiebel Group, said.
