Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 Secures Civil aviation Approval in Australia
wedgetail Aerospace, in collaboration with Schiebel Pacific, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving operational clearance from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) to function within civil airspace.
First of Its Kind Approval
This marks the inaugural instance of a large Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAS, weighing over 150kg, receiving such civil authorization from Australian regulatory bodies.
Successful Flight Demonstrations
Through extensive flight demonstrations conducted in Western Australia, Wedgetail Aerospace, alongside Schiebel Pacific and Australian authorities, successfully navigated the approval process. This endorsement allows the S-100 to operate freely in Australian civil airspace, opening doors for various applications such as disaster response, cargo transport, and surveillance operations.
Training and Licensing Opportunities
Moreover, Wedgetail Aerospace is recognized as a CASA-approved training organization and plans to provide S-100 licensing for civil operations. Notably, the S-100 has been actively flying under a Defense Aviation Safety Agency (DASA) UAS permit, which the Royal Australian Navy secured in 2017 for its S-100 missions.
industry Perspectives
“This achievement is a pivotal moment for Schiebel pacific and our operations in Australia. The CASA approval allows us to extend the remarkable capabilities of the CAMCOPTER® S-100 to the civil sector. With robust local partnerships and our extensive experience with the S-100, we are strategically positioned to tap into the Australian commercial market,” stated Fabian knechtl, Managing Director of Schiebel Pacific.
“Wedgetail Aerospace is thrilled to have collaborated with Schiebel to secure the first approval in Australia for a Large Category UAS, bringing this groundbreaking technology to the commercial landscape,” remarked Thomas Symes, CEO of Wedgetail Aerospace.