Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 Demonstrates Next-Generation Maritime Capabilities at REPMUS 2025
- Schiebel once again showcased the unrivalled versatility of its CAMCOPTER S-100 at NATO’s annual REPMUS (Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Uncrewed Systems) exercise, hosted by the Portuguese Navy. Over the course of the large-scale multinational trials, the S-100 flew multiple missions with advanced payloads, underscoring its role as a maritime-proven solution, designed for naval combat system integration and as a proven multi-mission asset in complex maritime environments.
At REPMUS 2025, the CAMCOPTER S-100 carried a suite of advanced sensors, communication links and AI-assisted data fusion modules. Among the highlights was the CRFS RFeye Node 100-18 LW, a high-fidelity radio frequency intelligence sensor designed to capture spectrum activity up to 18 GHz, collect I/Q data, and enable geolocation in contested electromagnetic conditions.
Installed on the CAMCOPTER S-100, this payload demonstrated its value in delivering actionable intelligence in real time (SIGINT). The exercise also featured the Akheros Skylock module, which implements NATO’s DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework - a transatlantic innovation accelerator promoting dual-use autonomy, data fusion and AI across NATO. It enabled in-flight data analysis, telemetry ingestion, and the detection of irregularities via onboard AI-driven analytics.
Interoperability with the emerging STANAG 4817 protocol was demonstrated through integration with Thales’ Tacticos combat management system. This enabled operators to directly task and control the CAMCOPTER S-100 from the Tacticos console - going beyond simple data exchange to true mission tasking and reporting. The cooperation with Thales underlines the drive to harmonise command and control across domains, allowing UAS, USVs and UUVs to be managed under a shared NATO framework.
In addition to these integrations, the CAMCOPTER S-100 impressed with a series of demonstrations that highlighted its operational maturity and mission versatility:
- Bathymetric LiDAR (Areté PILLS/PNGS): In partnership with U.S. company Areté, the S-100 carried the Pushbroom Imaging LiDAR for Littoral Surveillance (PILLS) Next Generation System (PNGS). Doubling performance from legacy 60Hz to 120Hz, the technology delivered enhanced bathymetric and obstacle detection, with successful launch and recovery from a Portuguese Offshore Patrol Vessel.
- Oceanwatch PT-8 maritime surveillance sensor: Designed to autonomously detect small objects on the ocean surface across wide areas.
“REPMUS is the ideal environment to validate the S-100’s operational flexibility in partnership with leading industry innovators. From AI-driven analytics with Akheros and multi-domain interoperability testing with Thales, to RF intelligence gathering and advanced bathymetric LiDAR mapping, the CAMCOPTER S-100 continues to prove why it is the trusted VTOL UAS of choice for naval operations worldwide,”
said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group.
About Schiebel:Founded in 1951 in Vienna, the globally operating Schiebel Group focuses on the development, design and production of the revolutionary CAMCOPTER® S-100 and S-300 Unmanned Air Systems (UAS). Certified to meet AS/EN 9100 standards, Schiebel has built an international reputation for producing high-tech military, commercial and humanitarian products, which are backed by exceptional after-sales service and support. Schiebel has facilities in Vienna and Wiener Neustadt (Austria), Toulon (France), Manassas, VA (USA), Abu Dhabi (UAE), and Shoalhaven (Australia).About the CAMCOPTER S-100:Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) is an operationally proven capability for military and civilian applications. The Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAS requires no prepared area or supporting equipment to enable launch and recovery. It operates by day and by night, under adverse weather conditions, with a beyond line-of-sight capability out to 200 km / 108 nm, over land and sea. Its carbon fiber and titanium fuselage provides capacity for a wide range of payload/endurance combinations up to a service ceiling of 5,500 m / 18,000 ft. In a typical configuration, the CAMCOPTER S-100 carries a 34-kg / 75-lbs payload up to 10 hours and is powered with AVGas or JP-5 heavy fuel. High-definition payload imagery is transmitted to the control station in real time. In addition to its standard GPS waypoint or manual navigation, the S-100 can successfully operate in environments where GPS is not available, with missions planned and controlled via a simple point-and- click graphical user interface. The high-tech unmanned helicopter is backed by Schiebel’s excellent customer support and training services.Source: Schiebel
