British Autonomous Full-size Helicopter Completes First Flight

The U.K.’s first truly autonomous full-size helicopter has completed its maiden flight from Predannack airfield in Cornwall, the Royal Navy announced today.

The aircraft, the Proteus Technology Demonstrator, was designed and built by Leonardo in Yeovil as a Royal Navy demonstrator to assess how autonomous helicopters could operate alongside crewed aircraft in future hybrid air wings, including roles linked to anti-submarine warfare under the Atlantic Bastion strategy.

The flight followed ground-running trials at Leonardo’s Yeovil site, where engines, sensors and onboard systems were tested. Engineers and representatives from Leonardo, the Royal Navy and U.K. Defence Innovation observed the flight from the Lizard Peninsula.

Predannack, a satellite airfield for RNAS Culdrose near Helston, also functions as the National Drone Hub and plays a role in developing uncrewed and autonomous aviation systems.

The Royal Navy said the flight supports commitments in the Strategic Defence Review, which set out plans for a “New Hybrid Navy” integrating autonomous platforms into maritime operations.

Proteus is larger and more complex than uncrewed systems already in Royal Navy service, such as Malloy octocopters and the Peregrine surveillance helicopter. Leonardo said the aircraft can carry a payload of more than one tonne and operate in challenging maritime conditions, including high sea states and strong winds, potentially freeing crewed helicopters for other missions.

Instead of a cockpit crew, Proteus uses sensors and computer systems driven by software designed to interpret its environment, make decisions and control the aircraft. During its first flight, the helicopter conducted a short test profile using its own flight controls, while test pilots monitored the aircraft from the ground to ensure safety.

The £60 million programme supports around 100 jobs in the U.K. and is described by Leonardo as one of the world’s first efforts to develop a full-size autonomous helicopter.