Unmanned helicopter Proteus: Leonardo's British demonstrator takes off for the first time

The United Kingdom, which is pushing to build autonomous air capabilities with growing determination, reports the successful first flight of the unmanned helicopter Proteus. Operating from Predannack airfield in Cornwall, Proteus – an unmanned helicopter developed by Leonardo – lifted off for the first time and successfully completed its maiden flight.

The helicopter is designed as a technology demonstrator for the Royal Navy. It is intended to explore what unmanned aircraft systems can achieve so that they can later fly together with crewed platforms in a so-called Hybrid Air Wing. In the long term, the system could also play a central role in future anti-submarine operations under the British “Atlantic Bastion” strategy.

A few weeks earlier, extensive ground tests had been completed at Leonardo's Yeovil site, rigorously testing systems, sensors and engines. The historic first flight on the Lizard Peninsula was then observed by representatives of Leonardo, the Royal Navy and UK Defence Innovation. Predannack is the relief airfield for the nearby naval air station RNAS Culdrose and, as the National Drone Hub, also serves as a central site for the development of autonomous systems.

With the successful first flight, key requirements of the British government's Strategic Defence Review have been met. It envisages a “New Hybrid Navy” in which autonomous helicopters such as this demonstrator are to take on key tasks in hybrid air wings and in protecting the North Atlantic.

What sets Proteus apart from previous drones as an unmanned helicopter

The Royal Navy already operates various drone systems today, such as Malloy octocopters or, for reconnaissance tasks, the smaller Peregrine helicopter. The new Proteus demonstrator, however, clearly surpasses them in size and system complexity and, above all, in its degree of autonomy.

The Proteus Technology Demonstrator was developed and built in Yeovil, the long-established British helicopter site. The programme is worth around 60 million pounds; it secures some 100 highly skilled jobs and is one of the world's first projects for a fully autonomous full-size helicopter.

In place of the crew, the cockpit houses sensors and powerful computers. Using sophisticated software, Proteus can detect and analyse its surroundings, make decisions and implement them independently – a significant step for the unmanned naval aviation of the future.