Schiebel Camcopter S-100
in
UK Police Forces

Since mid 2025, NPAS has been conducting an airborne study using the S-100 to understand how uncrewed systems can be integrated with the NPAS rotary and fixed wing fleet. The S-100 is being used as a platform for several types of sensor:

• an active, chin mounted radar, for sense and avoid and how to integrate the platform into mixed use airspace
• an MX-10 payload camera (similar to that already in use with the rest of the NPAS fleet) to prove identifying individual objects, and also as a safety back-up to visually track other airspace users cleared to cross the TDA established for the trials
• an onboard VHF system to allow a remote pilot to communicate with an Air Traffic authority to speed up communications that were previously done exclusively by telephone and not necessarily between the UAS pilot or the controller - which was adding further delay
• a hardened (anti-jam) GPS unit for reliable, precision location
• an ADSB Mode S transponder to assist with avoidance by other aircraft
• an AIS system to assist with avoidance of shipping when in low level, over water operations.

The trials will continue into Dec 2025, principally from the Avonmouth Port helipad in a segregated area and generally operating at night over the Severn Estuary, to reduce impact on other airspace users, with Air Trafiic Services provided from Cardiff.