The Spanish maritime safety and rescue body SASEMAR is operating the CAMCOPTER® S-100 for maritime surveillance over the coming months. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) service is delivered by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
Stationed in Finisterre in the northwest of Spain, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 supports the Spanish authorities in carrying out different operational tasks, including maritime traffic control, pollution prevention and fisheries control. While the flights provide additional, complementary means to SASEMAR in performing its roles of preventing and curbing pollution, and controlling maritime traffic, they also serve the national fisheries authorities (Spanish Secretary-General for Fisheries) working to protect sea[1]fisheries resources and to ensure their sustainable development.
The S-100 executes these various tasks equipped with an Electro-Optical / Infra-Red (EO/IR) camera gimbal, a Becker Avionics BD406 Emergency Beacon Locator and a Shine Micro Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver.
In the execution of Schiebel’s contract with EMSA, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 provides simultaneous maritime surveillance services to several EU Member States. Most recently, the S-100 was operational in Romania, Estonia, and Finland.
Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group, said: “This is the first time that the Spanish authorities are using a UAV under the Light Unmanned Operator Certificate (LUC). We’re proud that our S-100 is the UAS of choice and are looking forward to supporting them in their vital tasks.”
