UK’s first autonomous helicopter completes maiden flight in Cornwall

The UK’s first autonomous, full-sized helicopter has completed its historic maiden flight at Predannack airfield in Cornwall.

Named Proteus, the helicopter was designed and built by Leonardo as a demonstrator for the Royal Navy. The aircraft is part of a £60m programme aiming to unlock the potential of uncrewed aerial systems and develop a hybrid air wing for future operations alongside crewed aircraft.

The successful flight, a key milestone for British aviation, follows extensive ground trials conducted by Leonardo at their Yeovil site, where the helicopter's systems and sensors were thoroughly tested.

The role of Proteus in defence

According to the Ministry of Defence, autonomous systems like Proteus will play a pivotal role in protecting the North Atlantic under the Atlantic Bastion programme. This initiative aims to secure the UK and NATO allies against maritime threats while advancing the hybrid navy outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.

Proteus is capable of conducting complex missions such as anti-submarine warfare and sea patrolling, leveraging information from allied ships, submarines, helicopters, and detection systems.

Advanced technology and capabilities

Proteus stands out for its advanced autonomy, believed to be one of the world’s first full-sized autonomous helicopters. Replacing the need for a crew, sensors and advanced software enable the demonstrator to analyse, decide, and act on its surroundings.

Equipped to carry over a one-tonne payload, it can operate under challenging weather conditions while freeing up crewed aircraft for crucial sorties.

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said, "This maiden flight is a proud moment for British innovation. Designed and built in Yeovil, Proteus supports skilled UK jobs while helping deliver the hybrid navy outlined in our Strategic Defence Review. Autonomous systems like this will be vital in protecting our seas without putting personnel in harm’s way."

National and industry contributions

Predannack airfield, located near Helston and operating as a satellite site for RNAS Culdrose, plays a significant role in the development of uncrewed or autonomous systems as part of the National Drone Hub.

Nigel Colman, Managing Director Helicopters UK, Leonardo, said: "As the UK’s only end-to-end rotary wing manufacturer it has been a pleasure working with the Royal Navy… seeing Proteus take off for the first time after being designed, developed, and manufactured at Leonardo’s Yeovil site is a fantastic milestone."

During its maiden flight, Proteus executed a short test routine independently of any human operator, under continuous ground supervision to ensure safety.

Commodore Steve Bolton, Royal Navy Deputy Director Aviation Future Programmes described Proteus as a significant step towards maritime aviation transformation, enhancing both the effectiveness of the Royal Navy and its technological edge in tackling threats.

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