Pacific 2017: Schiebel and Skeldar spar in Australia

6th October 2017 - 08:37 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Sydney

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Australia is shaping up as a battleground for suppliers of rotary-winged UAVs as the country’s military eyes future acquisitions. Two top contenders are Schiebel and UMS Skeldar, and the gloves are starting to come off as competition intensifies.

Schiebel enjoyed a significant head start when it was selected in December 2016 to fulfil the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) interim requirement under NMP1942 for a VTOL UAV. It received a three-year contract for two Camcopter S-100 aircraft and two ground control stations.

As part of that obligation, Schiebel will next month deliver heavy fuel versions of its S-100 to the RAN.

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Author

Gordon Arthur

Gordon Arthur was the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media. Born in Scotland and educated …

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