What is CAMCOPTER S-100?

About CAMCOPTER S-100:

• It is an Australian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using a rotorcraft design. 
• Produced by the Austrian company Schiebel, it was developed from 2003 to 2005. 
• Features:
  • It has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 200 kg with 6 hours endurance.
  • It has a maximum speed of 220 km/hr and a ceiling of 5,500 m. 
  • It is powered by a heavy fuel engine and has the capability to carry multiple payloads which are surveillance as well as tactical in nature. The maximum payload weight is 50 kg.
  • It needs no prepared area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and night, under adverse weather conditions.
  • The S-100 navigates automatically via pre-programmed GPS waypoints or can beoperated directly with a pilot control unit.
  • Missions are planned and controlled via a simple point-and-click graphical user interface.
  • High-definition payload imagery is transmitted to the control station in real time. 
  • Using “fly-by-wire” technology controlled by redundant flight computers, the UAV can complete its mission automatically in the most complex of electromagnetic environments.

Q1: What is a rotorcraft?

A rotorcraft (or rotary wing aircraft) is a heavier-than-air aircraft that uses lift generated by wings, called rotor blades, that revolve around a mast. Several rotor blades mounted to a single mast are referred to as a rotor. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines a rotorcraft as supported in flight by the reactions of the air on one or more rotors.

Source: Camcopter S-100 will provide much-needed flexibility in sea-based ops to Indian Navy, says Schiebel India CEO Jajati Mohanty