U.K. Royal Navy Crewless Helicopter Nears First Flight after Ground Trials

The U.K. Royal Navy’s first full-sized crewless helicopter has moved a step closer to maiden flight after completing ground trials on December 2.

Proteus, built by Leonardo under a £60 million programme, underwent engine activation, systems checks, and rotor tests at the company’s Yeovil site. Developed in less than two and a half years, the aircraft is intended to demonstrate how autonomous Vertical Take-off and Landing systems could operate alongside crewed platforms in a future hybrid air wing.

Senior Ministry of Defence officials and Royal Navy officers observed the trials and were briefed on the aircraft’s onboard software, sensors, and artificial intelligence—capabilities designed to process data and make mission decisions while operating in harsh maritime environments.

Nigel Colman, Managing Director Helicopters UK at Leonardo, said: “Proteus is equipped with onboard software capabilities, carrying a suite of sensors and systems that allow it to sense its environment, make decisions and act accordingly. All of this processing is conducted onboard the aircraft, while operating in the most extreme environments, including high sea states and strong winds – just where the Royal Navy needs this kind of capability.”

The aircraft features a payload bay capable of carrying up to one tonne, supporting missions such as surveillance, search and rescue, logistics resupply, weapon delivery, and intelligence gathering. Its first assessments will focus on anti-submarine warfare.

During upcoming trials, Proteus will patrol designated maritime areas, using data from allied ships, helicopters, submarines, and sensors to locate underwater threats. It will deploy sonobuoys to detect acoustic signatures and report findings directly to mission commanders.