British Navy tests autonomous helicopter Proteus

The British Navy is testing an unmanned helicopter that it plans to use alongside manned aircraft against submarines in the future. The drone, named "Proteus", has successfully completed its maiden flight, according to the Royal Navy.

During its first flight, Proteus performed a short test routine. It flew autonomously, the Royal Navy announced. However, it was constantly monitored by a test pilot on the ground who could have intervened in an emergency to ensure flight safety.

The maiden flight took place at Predannack Naval Airfield in Cornwall. Prior to this, Leonardo had conducted ground tests at its facility in Yeovil in the southwestern English county of Somerset. The Predannack airfield serves, among other things, as a National Drone Hub where unmanned systems are developed and tested.

Proteus is based on the Leonardo AW09 helicopter from the Italian defense and aerospace group Leonardo. Its British branch developed the unmanned version of the helicopter on behalf of the Royal Navy.

Proteus flies at approximately 140 knots (260 km/h) and can stay airborne for about five hours. It weighs around three tons and can carry a payload of one ton in its cargo hold. This could include sensors, such as radar, communication systems, or equipment for dropping sonar buoys.

Maritime Surveillance and Anti-Submarine Operations

Proteus is primarily designed for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations. It is intended to operate alongside manned aircraft, such as the AgustaWestland AW101 Merlin or AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat helicopters, as well as fighter jets like the F-35. The drone can expand their operational capabilities without endangering personnel or expensive equipment.

The British Ministry of Defence unveiled the "Atlantic Bastion" program last month. Its goal is to better protect Great Britain from the threat posed by Russian submarines in the North Atlantic. To this end, the Navy will deploy unmanned systems underwater, on the surface, and in the air, among other measures.

For about two years, Russia has intensified its espionage activities in British waters. Last year, for example, the military-operated spy ship Yantar was active in European waters for months, presumably to reconnoiter critical underwater infrastructure. Great Britain subsequently dispatched warships to monitor the ship. To protect submarine cables, robots are already being deployed above water and underwater.

(wpl)