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The CAMCOPTER® program began in the early 1990’s as a stabilized camera platform for aerial photography and motion picture filming.
As the project progressed, successive prototypes proved their prowess, and the U.S. Army requested a flight demonstration in 1997. The demo successfully displayed the versatility and potential of an autonomous VTOL UAV platform.
That same year, Schiebel signed a contract with the U.S. Army to provide the latest version, CAMCOPTER® 5.1, in support of its Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate. The programme focused on research and development in the area of airborne landmine detection.
An important milestone was the successful demonstration for the U.S. Coast Guard of CAMCOPTER®’s ability to operate from a moving ship’s deck, without the need for additional launch and recovery equipment.
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Over the history of the 5.1 programme, it has participated in numerous demonstrations and exercises, and has been a mainstay of the UAV Air Demonstrations held every two years at Patuxent River NAS, MD.
Importantly, the program also increased civil aviation authorities’ awareness of UAV operations, forging a close working relationship that has continued throughout the development of the 5.1’s successor.
After having proven the advantages of VTOL UAVs, Schiebel began to develop the next generation CAMCOPTER® S-100 to meet emerging customer requirements for a vehicle with increased performance and payload capabilities.
With the introduction of the S-100, production of the 5.1 has been discontinued.
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