Leonardo UK has revealed its cutting-edge Proteus technology demonstrator, a three-tonne uncrewed helicopter set to undergo flight testing in mid-2025. Developed in collaboration with the Royal Navy and the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Future Capability Innovation (FCI) team, the Proteus is designed to showcase advancements in autonomy, payload modularity, and new rotorcraft technologies, all while supporting the Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATx) strategy.
The Proteus platform is a significant step forward for the Royal Navy’s future maritime aviation capabilities, particularly in enhancing operational capacity at sea and supporting future anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. By pushing the boundaries of what uncrewed aircraft can achieve, it promises to revolutionise how the Navy operates in challenging environments.
Innovative Features for Future Missions
At the heart of Proteus is its innovative modular payload bay, which is a standout feature designed to maximise flexibility and adaptability for various missions. The ability to swap out payloads enables Proteus to be configured for multiple roles, including Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASac) and Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW). This modular approach offers significant operational advantages, such as adapting quickly to changing mission requirements and reducing the need for multiple specialised aircraft.
The aircraft’s design also leverages Leonardo’s existing helicopter portfolio, helping to accelerate development and reduce costs. Additionally, over 40 components are constructed using advanced composite materials, while AI enhanced control software improves the aircraft’s performance and autonomy. The use of a digital twin for synthetic development further enhances the design process and ensures the system is optimised for real-world conditions.
Mission Versatility and Efficiency
The Proteus is designed for a variety of operational roles, with an emphasis on reducing operational costs. Its flexible design allows trade offs between fuel capacity and mission payload, enabling it to be customised for different tasks without the need for multiple dedicated aircraft. This is expected to deliver significant cost efficiencies and enhance the Royal Navy’s operational capabilities.
The uncrewed helicopter is part of a broader push to integrate large uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) into maritime operations, demonstrating the feasibility of deploying these systems in real-world environments. The Proteus programme will also test autonomous flight control algorithms specifically tailored for large Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, paving the way for the future deployment of uncrewed helicopters in complex maritime operations.
Autonomy and Future Capabilities
Proteus’ development aligns with the Royal Navy’s vision of maritime aviation through 2040, focusing on increasing operational capacity at sea. The uncrewed aircraft will be used to refine and test flight control laws and algorithms, helping to build a platform for autonomous capabilities that could transform future naval operations. As Proteus continues its development, it will serve as a testbed for uncrewed systems, pushing the limits of autonomy and operational efficiency in maritime environments.
In the future, Proteus will not only operate independently but can also be “teamed” with crewed aircraft, such as the Wildcat, to enhance operational synergy. This collaborative approach will enable the Royal Navy to maximise the use of both manned and unmanned assets, creating more flexible and efficient mission capabilities.
Looking Ahead
With its modular payload, advanced design, and autonomous capabilities, Proteus is set to become a game changer for the Royal Navy. The first flight, scheduled for mid 2025, will mark a critical milestone in the development of uncrewed aerial systems for maritime operations. As this promising technology continues to evolve, it could redefine how the Royal Navy conducts surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and other crucial tasks in the future.
Leonardo’s Proteus represents the next step in the integration of uncrewed systems into modern military operations, showcasing the potential of autonomous aircraft to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and mission success in challenging environments. As the Royal Navy’s operational requirements evolve, Proteus will provide a versatile and cost effective solution for a wide range of missions, from intelligence gathering to anti-submarine warfare, ensuring that the Navy remains at the cutting edge of maritime aviation.
