Austria's Schiebel, maker of the Camcopter S-100 unmanned helicopter, has strengthened cooperation with Diehl Defense for marketing opportunities in Germany.

Diehl Defense possesses broad know-how in the integration of different defense systems and surveillance equipment into German Navy vessels, Schiebel said.

"Today we are the world's leading producer of unmanned helicopters and we plan on further strengthening our position" said Hans Georg Schiebel, owner of the Vienna-based company.

Added Helmut Rauch, member of the Division Board of Diehl Defense: "We consider Schiebel a highly competent partner and believe the CAMCOPTER S-100 is the best possible product for all remotely piloted aircraft operations of the German Navy."

The Camcopter S-100 is a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a maximum speed of 138 miles per hour and a six-hour endurance.

Units sold to date number 300 worldwide and include a number of naval clients who use the aircraft in conventional littoral reconnaissance roles.

In 2008, Schiebel completed extensive flight trials from German Navy corvettes. The tests included more than 130 takeoffs and landings but no procurement contracts were issued.

The S-100 system has since been upgraded and is now is available with a heavy fuel engine.