Schiebel Corporation has developed the S-301 attack drone helicopter.
S-101 (left) and S-301 (right) combat UAVs. Graphics by Schiebel Corporation
Austrian Schiebel Corporation continues its work in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles aviation. Recently, it presented its new development - the Camcopter S-301 helicopter-type UAV. This device is based on one of the existing platforms and is distinguished by the ability to install a controlled rocket weapons. Depending on the payload and other factors, it can engage ground or air targets.
Battle option
In September 2025, at the DSEI exhibition in London, the Austrian company Schiebel Corporation made an important announcement. In the coming months, it promised to unveil combat versions of its heavy helicopter-type UAVs. At the time, it published an image of such vehicles, but did not disclose all the details.
From January 20th to 22nd, Abu Dhabi hosted the UMEX & SimTEX 2026 international exhibition, dedicated to the development of unmanned aviation. At the event, Schiebel Corp. fulfilled its promise last year. At its booth, it displayed a prototype (or mockup) of the S-301 UAV, part of the existing Camcopter family.
It is reported that the S-301 UAV is a direct development of the existing Kamkopters and is based on their designs. UAV It has a number of important features that allow it to fully perform combat missions. This primarily reflects the ability to mount guided missiles.
The S-301 UAV at the UMEX-2026 exhibition. Photo: Armyrecognition.com
The S-301 is proposed as a simpler and cheaper alternative to full-fledged attack helicopters, capable of performing a similar range of missions. Depending on its equipment and weapons configuration, this UAV can conduct reconnaissance and target acquisition, or independently engage detected targets.
The drone's standard missile system can engage both ground and some airborne targets. This allows the S-301, with certain limitations, to function as a fighter aircraft.
The developer notes that the updated configuration and new capabilities have not negatively impacted the UAV's performance. The new S-301 can still operate from various platforms, mobile platforms, and other locations.
Schiebel Corp. believes the multi-role combat UAV will be of interest to potential clients. In particular, the corporation is counting on orders from Middle Eastern countries developing their militaries, including unmanned aircraft. However, there have been no reports of future contract negotiations yet.
Side view. The armament is clearly visible. Photo: Armyrecognition.com
Ready platform
The S-301 UAV is based on the production Camcopter S-300, introduced in 2023. The new project utilized the existing airframe, powerplant, rotor system, and general helicopter systems without significant modifications. At the same time, the onboard equipment was adjusted to meet new requirements. Provision was also made for the installation of new necessary components.
The S-301, like other Camcopters, is an unmanned helicopter with a standard layout. It has a teardrop-shaped fuselage with a distinctive radiator in the nose. Provision is made for mounting a wing with hardpoints. The tail section features a T-tail. The landing gear consists of two struts under the nose and a lower vertical stabilizer, both of which are of sufficient height.
The UAV is quite large and belongs to the heavy-duty class. Its overall length reaches 4,7 meters and its height reaches 1,8 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 485 kg, of which up to 110 kg is the required payload.
Like other Kamkopters, the new S-301 is equipped with an unspecified 79-horsepower aircraft diesel engine. Through a proprietary main gearbox, the engine drives a three-bladed 4,8-meter-diameter main rotor and a tail rotor. The UAV reaches speeds of at least 170-180 km/h and can reach altitudes of up to 5500 m. Internal fuel tanks allow it to remain airborne for up to 10 hours.
The demonstration model received five-seat launchers. Photo: Armyrecognition.com
The S-301 is equipped with an autopilot capable of autonomous operation or following operator commands. The equipment provides flight and payload control, regardless of its composition and configuration. When operated by an operator, the standard radio allows data exchange over a range of up to 200 km. The introduction of satellite communications, which would fundamentally change the UAV's capabilities, is not ruled out.
Combat load
Like other Camcopter series UAVs, the new S-301 can carry various types of optical-electronic stations. These devices are mounted on the underside and provide visibility of virtually the entire lower hemisphere. For full combat operation, an optical-electronic station with a daytime camera, thermal imager, and laser rangefinder is required.
The UAV is equipped with a wing with hardpoints for weapons. For the exhibition, the S-301 was equipped with a pair of FZ launchers from Thales Belgium. The units on display have five tubular launchers each. The possibility of using similar seven-seat launchers is also mentioned.
In its strike configuration, the drone is armed with Thales FZ275 guided missiles. These are cylindrical missiles with rudders and a stabilizer that fold out in flight. The missile has a total length of 1,8 meters and a diameter of 70 mm. Its launch weight is 12,7 kg, of which 4,1 kg is the high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Powered by a solid-fuel motor, the missile reaches supersonic speeds and flies for a range of 6-7 km (when air-launched).
The FZ275 guided missile and one of its air-launched launcher variants. Photo: Thales Belgium
The FZ275 is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker. After launch, the missile homes in on a target illuminated by a laser rangefinder/target designator. High accuracy is claimed, with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 1 meter.
During a combat mission, the UAV operator, using its integrated electronic system, must scan the terrain and search for targets to strike. Schiebel Corp. may be developing capabilities to facilitate this task. The operator then locks onto the target, and the UAV begins illuminating it with a laser. After this, a guided missile is launched.
It was previously reported that the FZ275 missiles could be used for a variety of missions. For example, airborne carriers could use them to engage ground targets without significant protection. The possibility of developing anti-aircraft systems based on this missile was also mentioned. Such a SAM system would be capable of engaging UAVs of various classes, as well as low-flying aircraft and helicopters. It's possible that the S-301 could use the missiles as a counter-aircraft weapon. weapons "air-to-air".
Promising solutions
Thus, the Austrian Schiebel Corporation continues to develop its Camcopter line of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and does so in several ways. The latest step in this direction was the development of a UAV originally intended for use by the military. It also immediately acquired the necessary instruments and the ability to mount weapons.
The developer's statements indicate that the Camcopter S-301, in its proposed form, is a versatile reconnaissance and strike system. It can operate independently or under operator control and perform a variety of missions. It also boasts excellent flight performance and impressive combat potential.
The Camcopter S-300 anti-submarine drone. Photo by Schiebel Corporation.
An interesting feature of the S-301 project is its maximum use of off-the-shelf components. The UAV is built on an existing platform by replacing individual components and instruments. Furthermore, it is compatible with existing UAS systems and can be equipped with commercially available missiles. This approach may be further developed in the future.
However, despite all the innovations and successful solutions, this UAV has limited operational and combat potential. For obvious reasons, it is inferior to other equipment whose niches it is targeting. The S-301 cannot replace a fully-fledged attack helicopter with all its advantages, and will also be less effective than a fighter or air defense system.
Nevertheless, in some situations, an unmanned aerial system can complement other equipment and achieve the desired objectives. Furthermore, the S-301 offers obvious advantages in terms of lower cost and operational complexity. The need to purchase and deploy such equipment should be assessed based on needs and anticipated missions.
It's expected that the combat Camcopter will attract the attention of potential customers. The developer is likely already in talks with prospective buyers, and the first contract for the combat S-301 could be awarded soon. It's still unclear which armies will want to receive this equipment.
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