Story ID: 
Leonardo Flies Proteus Naval Autonomous Helicopter
By: Charlotte Bailey
Caption: Proteus technology demonstrator could augment existing crewed military platforms in anti-submarine missions 
Word Count: 171
Leonardo has made the first flight of what it described as the UK’s “first autonomous full-size helicopter,” the “Proteus” technology demonstrator. The milestone was reported last week by the Royal Navy, which is working with the Italy-based aerospace and defense group on the project.
The RWUAS Phase 3A Technology Demonstrator Programme (referred to as Proteus) began in 2022 when Leonardo was awarded a four-year, £60 million ($80.5 million) contract to develop an uncrewed aerial system. The project’s objective, said Leonardo, is to “enhance payload modularity, autonomy and rotorcraft technology.”
During the sortie, which was conducted from Predannack airfield in Cornwall, the Royal Navy said Proteus “was tasked with a short test routine which saw the aircraft operate its own flying controls independently of any human operator.”
Predannack serves as the satellite airfield for helicopters based at nearby Culdrose Royal Naval Air Service base. The site is also used for developing uncrewed and autonomous systems as part of the UK's National Drone Hub.
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