Schiebel Advances CAMCOPTER S-300 Programme With First Flight Test Campaign in France

Austrian unmanned systems manufacturer Schiebel Group has successfully completed the first flight test campaign of its next-generation CAMCOPTER S-300 unmanned air system (UAS) in France, marking an important milestone in the aircraft’s development. The flights were conducted at the CESA Drones test site in Sainte-Hélène, near Bordeaux, bringing the programme to a cumulative total of 100 flight hours.

Military-Focused Flight Trials

According to a Schiebel press release, the French campaign builds on previous flight experience with the CAMCOPTER S-300 and represents a further step in expanding the operational flight envelope. Conducted in a military environment, the tests were aimed at verifying key flight characteristics and overall system performance.

During the campaign, the S-300 demonstrated stable and controlled behaviour while undergoing standard evaluations for an unmanned air system, including assessments of handling qualities, flight control response, and general aircraft performance. Schiebel stated that the results confirm the growing maturity of the platform as it progresses toward advanced testing and mission integration.

France’s Strategic Role in the Programme

France was selected as the location for the next phase of S-300 flight activities due to Schiebel’s long-standing cooperation with French defence stakeholders. Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, described France as a trusted partner, citing the company’s enduring relationship with the French Navy and its local presence through Schiebel Aéronaval SAS.

While the French trials are a key step, Schiebel emphasised that the CAMCOPTER S-300 is being developed to meet the requirements of international military and government users, drawing on the company’s global experience in unmanned aviation.

A Heavier-Lift Evolution of the Camcopter Family

The CAMCOPTER S-300 is the largest and most capable system in Schiebel’s unmanned helicopter portfolio to date. First unveiled at Euronaval in 2022, the S-300 builds directly on the operational heritage of the CAMCOPTER S-100, a maritime-proven unmanned helicopter with several hundred thousand flight hours accumulated worldwide.

The S-300 measures approximately 4.8 metres in length, 1.9 metres in height, and 0.9 metres in width. It can fly at a maximum speed of 120 knots, with a cruising speed of around 55 knots. Its maximum take-off weight can reach 660 kilograms, enabling a payload capacity of up to 340 kilograms (fuel included)—approximately three times greater than that of the S-100.

In terms of endurance, the S-300 is designed to remain airborne for up to 24 hours with a 50-kilogram payload, or approximately four hours with payloads of up to 250 kilograms. This combination of high payload capacity and long endurance is intended to support demanding missions such as maritime surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and other naval and government operations.

Growing International Momentum

The CAMCOPTER S-300 programme has already gained international traction. In 2024, Schiebel secured a contract for the development and delivery of the CAMCOPTER S-300 VTOL UAV for the Republic of Korea Navy, providing an early operational reference customer and reinforcing confidence in the platform.

With the successful completion of its first French flight test campaign and the achievement of 100 cumulative flight hours, the CAMCOPTER S-300 programme now enters its next phase, focused on continued flight envelope expansion, mission system integration, and preparation for broader operational trials aimed at future international military and government users.