Wednesday, August 12, 2009

DTN News: Boeing, Schiebel To Pursue Opportunities In Unmanned Airborne Systems With CAMCOPTER S-100

DTN News: Boeing, Schiebel To Pursue Opportunities In Unmanned Airborne Systems With CAMCOPTER S-100
*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, USA - August 12, 2009: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Schiebel Industries AG of Austria yesterday Aug 11, announced they have signed a teaming agreement to pursue marketing and support opportunities for Schiebel's S-100 CAMCOPTER. The S-100 is a compact unmanned aerial vehicle that provides a platform for a wide variety of payloads, including a stabilized video system for surveillance and reconnaissance. The Aerial Vehicle (AV) combines long endurance and large payload capacity into a relatively small outline. The AV can complete its entire mission automatically, from takeoff to landing, controlled by a triple-redundant flight computer based on proven flight control methods and algorithms. Redundant INS and GPS modules ensure precision navigation and stability in all phases of flight, ensuring that the payload is accurately positioned in accordance with its tasking. The onboard navigation computer is capable of storing and managing all waypoint commands, allowing continuous operation independent of the control station. The datalink receives control inputs from, and transmits position and payload data to, the control station in real-time. Mission radius is dependent upon the user-specified ground antenna configuration, and payload weight. CAMCOPTER® S-100 has been designed as a platform for a wide variety of payloads, and therefore no standard payload is offered, rather they are integrated according to customer requirements. The AV features two payload bays, side hard points and an internal auxiliary electronics/avionics bay. The primary payload bay, located directly beneath the main rotor shaft, is capable of mounting payloads weighing up to 50 kg (100 lbs.).Fixed-mounted daylight and/or infrared cameras provide the operator with situational awareness and orientation. The AV fuselage is a carbon-fibre monocoque, which gives a superior strength/weight ratio, providing maximum capacity for a wide range of payload/endurance combinations. In a standard configuration, the AV is capable of carrying a 25 kg (55 lbs) payload for up to 6 hours. The AV is powered by an aviation-certified rotary engine. The S-100 is also being developed for maritime applications, where, like its predecessor, it will be capable of landing on helicopter deck-equipped ships without the use of additional landing equipment. "This teaming agreement allows us to offer another quality unmanned airborne platform to customers who depend on the intelligence these aircraft can provide," said Vic Sweberg, director of Boeing Unmanned Airborne Systems (UAS). "It will further enable our new division to deliver innovative solutions tailored to our customers' needs and budgets." Boeing's UAS division includes the A160T Hummingbird, ScanEagle, SolarEagle and MQ-X. The S-100 is an autonomous helicopter that uses vertical takeoff and landing technology. The aircraft can be programmed to fly autonomous missions via a point-and-click computer software interface, or be directed manually with a joystick. It also can operate under adverse weather conditions and beyond line-of-sight on land and at sea. Its data link range extends up to 200 km, with a service ceiling of 18,000 feet. "We are excited about teaming with Boeing's newly created Unmanned Airborne Systems division," said Hans G. Schiebel, director of Schiebel Industries AG. "Through this collaboration, we hope to leverage Boeing's depth of experience and proven contacts to provide the S-100 to U.S. government and military customers. The S-100 CAMCOPTER could have applications for a variety of civilian customers, as well." Darren Sekiguchi, director of Boeing Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Services, said that CAMCOPTER customers "will benefit from Boeing's experience in supporting unmanned airborne systems. Our field service representatives have collectively flown more than 200,000 hours while providing command and logistics support to a variety of unmanned airborne systems programs." Founded in 1951 in Vienna, the Schiebel group of companies focuses on the development, testing and production of mine detection equipment and the CAMCOPTER® Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

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