SCHIEBEL CAMCOPTER® S-100 RECEIVES OPERATIONAL APPROVAL FROM AUSTRALIAN CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY (CASA)

In a ground breaking achievement, Wedgetail Aerospace, with support from Schiebel Pacific, has secured operational clearance from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for the deployment of the Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) in civil airspace. This approval marks a historic milestone as the S-100 becomes the first large (>150 kg) Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAS to receive civil authorization from Australian regulators.

Wedgetail Aerospace, in partnership with Schiebel Pacific and Australian authorities, successfully navigated the rigorous approval process, culminating in a series of flight demonstrations conducted in Western Australia. This achievement now grants the S-100 access to operate within Australian civil airspace, opening up a myriad of potential applications including fire and disaster monitoring, cargo delivery, as well as inspections and surveillance.

Furthermore, Wedgetail Aerospace has been recognized as a CASA-approved training organization and will provide an S-100 license for civil operations. It’s noteworthy that the S-100 has been regularly deployed under a Defence Aviation Safety Agency (DASA) UAS permit since 2017, a testament to its reliability and performance, particularly in the operations of the Royal Australian Navy.

Fabian Knecht, Managing Director at Schiebel Pacific, commented, “This is a significant milestone for Schiebel Pacific and its Australian RPAS operations. The CASA approval enables us to offer the outstanding capabilities of the CAMCOPTER® S-100 system to the civil sector. With strong local partners, our wealth of experience in the operation of the S-100 and now with the approval of CASA, we are very well positioned for the Australian commercial market.”

Thomas Symes, CEO of Wedgetail Aerospace, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Wedgetail Aerospace are delighted to have been able to work with Schiebel to achieve the first approval in Australia to operate a Large Category UAS and will now bring this transformational technology to the commercial market.”