A Chopper with No Copper: UK’s First Unmanned Police Helicopter Takes Flight in Landmark Trials
Overview
Britain’s skies could soon see police helicopters without pilots onboard as the National Police Air Service (NPAS) conducts its first-ever UK tests of an unmanned police helicopter.
The new aircraft — a Schiebel Camcopter S-100 — marks a significant leap in law enforcement aviation, offering longer flight times, reduced emissions, and quieter operations compared to traditional crewed helicopters.
The remotely-piloted aircraft, which carries the same high-powered infrared cameras found on standard NPAS helicopters, is currently undergoing night-time test flights over the Bristol Channel. The trials, part of a Home Office–funded programme, are being overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and National Air Traffic Services (NATS).
12-Hour Flight Endurance and 90% Emission Reduction
David Walters, NPAS Head of Futures and Innovation, described the unmanned system as a game-changer for extended search operations.
“This capability will allow us to stay on task anywhere between eight and 12 hours, which is a massive improvement on the two-to-six-hour window we currently get from our helicopters,” Walters said.
He emphasised that the unmanned aircraft is not expected to replace crewed helicopters but will complement them. “This offers a more affordable way to conduct searches for missing people and low-speed pursuits, freeing up our manned fleet for high-speed or complex incidents.”
Walters added the drone could deliver a 90% reduction in emissions per hour compared to existing NPAS helicopters.
A Quiet Revolution in Policing the Skies
The Schiebel Camcopter is also significantly quieter, an advantage that could drastically reduce noise complaints from residents beneath police flight paths.
“This is about embracing new technology to continue delivering the same high-standard service but on a more efficient platform,” said PC Matt Leeding, NPAS Tactical Flight Officer. “From my perspective, nothing changes operationally. I still have the same camera and tools, but now I’m operating them from a ground station.”
The unmanned aerial system (UAS) is flown remotely by a qualified pilot, with a police officer handling surveillance equipment and tactical operations from a control centre. Equipped with a forward-facing camera and advanced radar, the drone is capable of detecting and avoiding other aircraft in flight.
Search and Surveillance Capabilities
Currently, 30% of NPAS deployments involve searches for missing persons, a task where the drone’s extended flight endurance becomes invaluable.
“We get calls daily — from missing people to electric bike thefts — and it’s very costly to send up a helicopter every time,” Walters explained. “This drone can offer the same surveillance capacity for a fraction of the operational cost.”
Wider UK Drone Trials Underway
The testing of the unmanned police helicopter is part of broader experimental drone trials in the UK, which include initiatives like Amazon’s parcel delivery drones and infrastructure inspections for Network Rail.
Sophie O’Sullivan, from the CAA, said the research was laying the groundwork for increased drone usage across various sectors. “We’re also exploring how unmanned aircraft can support healthcare logistics and critical infrastructure monitoring,” she added.
While remotely piloted drones are already used by HM Coastguard and the Royal Navy, this is the first time a police drone of this size and capability is being tested over populated urban areas.
Years Before Deployment in NPAS Fleet
Despite the successful early tests, NPAS officials caution that it will take several years of rigorous testing and regulatory oversight before unmanned helicopters are deployed operationally across the UK.
Test flights will continue until October, with findings to be reviewed in conjunction with the Home Office, CAA, and other stakeholders.
