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UK navy launches new crewless helicopter to counter North Atlantic threats
Proteus completed its first flight demonstrating autonomous controls with over one tonne payload capacity to enhance anti-submarine and maritime patrol missions for the Royal Navy.
- At Predannack airfield in Cornwall, the Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System demonstrator lifted off, marking the Royal Navy’s milestone as the UK’s first autonomous full-size helicopter flight.
- Following intensive December trials at Leonardo's Yeovil facility, Proteus underwent engine, flight control and sensor tests before flying, supporting the Royal Navy's Atlantic Bastion programme.
- Proteus uses onboard sensors and computing to fly autonomously, relying on advanced software to perceive its environment and flew short, tightly controlled profiles during two initial flights while test pilots on the ground monitored, carrying a payload in excess of one tonne.
- If matured, Proteus could patrol vast ocean areas drawing on data from allied ships, submarines and seabed sensors, while the 60 million programme supports around 100 highly skilled jobs at Leonardo Yeovil facility.
- A spokesperson said: `Such machines are central to the Atlantic Bastion programme`, and Luke Pollard, minister for defence readiness and industry, said `Autonomous systems like this will be vital in protecting our seas without putting personnel in harm's way`.
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After the reveal of Sikorsky's pilotless Black Hawk, European rival Leonardo just flew its new uncrewed helicopter design
The Royal Navy called Leonardo's Proteus a new step in British aviation history.Royal NavyA European arms maker flew what the Royal Navy called "the UK's first truly autonomous full-size helicopter."Leonardo's Proteus demonstrator has completed its maiden flight.The move comes after Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky unveiled an uncrewed Black Hawk. A new uncrewed helicopter design from European defense and aerospace company Leonardo has taken …
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It is designed, inter alia, to track submarines.
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Total News Sources44
Leaning Left7Leaning Right4Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
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50% Center
L 32%
C 50%
R 18%
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