The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has selected Schiebel‘s S-100 Camcopter for an initial phase of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) programme to acquire a maritime unmanned aircraft system (MUAS), a ministerial spokesperson confirmed to Janes on 3 May.
The S-100 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will now proceed through a single-source procurement process for the first block of the AUD1.3 billion (USD960 million) three-block MUAS programme under Project Sea 129 Phase 5.
The number of S-100s under consideration for the first block has not been disclosed, although an unconfirmed media report referred to an initial procurement of 40.
Proposed by Raytheon Australia and its partner Schiebel Pacific, the S-100 was chosen without an open tender from five shortlisted contenders for single-source consideration in a move that would advance initial operating capability (IOC) by 18 months, the ministerial spokesperson said.
Although the anticipated IOC date was not disclosed, sources pointed out that prior to contract signature the Raytheon-Schiebel proposal must now undergo a full single-source procurement evaluation to ensure it meets all requirements and provides value for money. This could take six months.
The four unsuccessful contenders were Insitu Pacific, offering its Scaneagle/Integrator family; Northrop Grumman, teaming with Leonardo with the AWHero; Textron with the Aerosonde V4/HQ system; and BAE Systems with an undisclosed air vehicle.
Block One of Sea 129 Phase 5 is the first part of a 30-year continuous improvement programme, with five-year rolling block upgrades that will incorporate new technology.
Schiebel Statement:
Schiebel Pacific welcomes the decision of the Commonwealth of Australia to speed up the provision of its UAS capability by initiating a single source acquisition of the CAMCOPTER S-100. This will enable the RAN to accelerate the capability acquisition they need and together with our local partners, we are committed to deliver the best UAS solution for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The offered Maritime Uncrewed Aircraft System (MUAS) builds on the capability that has been provided by the proven CAMCOPTER S-100 air vehicle currently in service with the RAN and is expected to create about 100 new Australian jobs. The design, development, manufacture, integration and support of the system will all be undertaken in Australia.
Source: Janes