Schiebel has successfully completed testing of a new heavy fuel engine (HFE) for the Camcopter S-100 unmanned air system (UAS), which has been redesigned to meet the demanding naval applications.
This new engine, which is the result of extensive testing, redesign and development by Schiebel engineering team, is derived from a commercially available rotary engine core.
The HFE features new batteries, an improved exhaust system and a completely new engine control unit to manage the fuel flow and engine power output.
Schiebel capability head Chris Day said: "The Camcopter S-100 customers demand an HFE able to operate across all climatic environments, from the coldest Arctic areas to the hottest deserts.
"There are many variables associated with the reliable use of heavy fuel that make these conditions especially challenging; such as variation in fuel quality.
"Demand for an HFE remains strongest with our naval customers and so we have spent considerable time developing this new engine to meet the operational requirements and reducing the cost of maintenance."
The Camcopter S-100 is capable of conducting a range of missions, including general surveillance, border patrol, fire control, target designation, damage assessment, mine detection, and other marine roles.
It can also perform search and rescue operations, aerial photography, and even crowd-control in civil applications.
In addition, the system will be able to gather images with an electro-optical, infrared camera, to detect and to identify electronic signatures with an ESM antenna and to use a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) in real-time with only one system.
According to Schiebel, the system is a much needed asset for situational awareness and timely communications.
The company launched its first HFE in March 2012.
