SCHIEBEL will develop a new remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS) for civil market applications including urban security which will be more cost-effective, reliable and versatile than current solutions. Currently air authorities worldwide are formulating the conditions to be able to operate RPAS in the civil airspace, opening a myriad of new market opportunities. With its long-term experience and leadership in the RPAS market and its cooperation with regulatory authorities like EASA, SCHIEBEL is expected to be the first company to operate in the category of professional RPAS, a global market which is expected to reach a volume of 700 million USD in the next five years.
SCHIEBEL’s UPAC S-100 will revolutionize disaster relief, protection and surveillance of critical infrastructure and other areas in civil and urban environments, such as:
- Supporting first responders in monitoring disaster areas (e.g. the fire brigade in locating a fire, where people are exiting or how to get around the problem area)
- Instantly creating a temporary mobile phone network in only 30 minutes, dropping leaflets and talking to people via loudspeakers in case of destroyed infrastructure
- Entering contaminated areas (too risky for manned assets) and identifying (through sensors) biological/chemical hazard leaks
- Fast and flexible response to criminal acts (including terrorism)
- Inspections/maintenance of critical infrastructures, e.g. power lines and pipelines
- Improving coast guard activities, maritime emergency response and border control
- Monitoring and supporting operations in agricultural activities and alpine rescue
In the long term, the UPAC S-100 shall become a fundamental support tool for monitoring, controlling and supporting activities in urban areas, especially in the ever increasing number of megacities worldwide.