After more than a year of eager anticipation, Leonardo, a leading aerospace and defense company, recently unveiled its concept model of the Proteus Rotary-Wing Unmanned Aerial System (RWUAS) during the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2023 in London.

This exciting development marks a significant step forward in unmanned aerial systems, showcasing a drone with a single main rotor and a design that underscores its conceptual maturity and modularity.

Proteus’ Versatile Capabilities

The Proteus RWUAS, falling within the two- to three-ton class category, offers a versatile range of capabilities. Its mission profile includes intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and logistics delivery.

However, it’s important to note that the final design of the Proteus will depend on the integration of potential systems, ensuring it remains at the forefront of cutting-edge drone technology.

One of the most eagerly awaited milestones in the Proteus project is the planned flight of a two- to three-ton RWUAS demonstrator “in the middle of this decade.” This significant event aims to contribute to the UK Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) agenda, emphasizing Leonardo’s commitment to supporting the nation’s defense goals.

A Strategic Development

The development of the Proteus RWUAS is a result of a substantial 60 million euro ($72 million) contract awarded to Leonardo by UK Defence Equipment and Support in July 2022.

The primary objective was to design an uncrewed helicopter demonstrator with the capability to track enemy submarines. Leonardo has surpassed expectations by creating a highly adaptable drone with the potential to extend its mission beyond maritime operations.

The integration of mission systems and modules into this state-of-the-art drone enhances its flexibility, allowing it to support land missions as well. According to Adam Clarke, the company director, “[u]ncrewed VTOL [vertical takeoff and landing] aircraft will transform military capability whilst also having application in other market sectors, both in the UK and around the world.”

A Valuable Addition to the Royal Navy

The Proteus RWUAS will find its home within the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Aviation Force. This development solidifies Leonardo’s reputation as “the home of British helicopters,” with the company’s Yeovil facility already producing AW101 Merlin and AW159 aircraft.

Plans are also underway to potentially build AW149 multirole helicopters at the site, pending a production contract awarded by the UK for the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program.

Notably, Leonardo faces competition from Airbus and US giant Lockheed Martin for the NMH acquisition. However, the final requirements for this project remain pending, and London has yet to confirm when these aircraft will enter into service.

James Gavin, head of the Future Capability Group at Defence Equipment and Support, emphasized the critical role collaboration plays in the project’s success. He stated:

“Key to this project’s success is the close collaboration between the Royal Navy, DE&S’s Future Capability Group and Leonardo’s team. Our strategy at DE&S is clear that agility, innovation, and teamwork with industry are essential drivers to ensure our Armed Forces have the operational edge – elements which Proteus embodies.”

Pioneering Technological Advancements

Further in his statement, Clarke has emphasized the strategic importance and the broader implications of the Proteus project, saying, “As the onshore design authority, Leonardo is exploring the art of the possible at a capability level, which will also invoke an extensive adoption of autonomy and automation into our future technologies.”

He also highlighted that the uniqueness of the RWUAS Technology Demonstrator Program (TDP) lies not only in the technology but also in the broader approach. This involves dynamic, transparent, and flexible collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), emphasizing teamwork and integration.

Accordingly, the Proteus project aims to establish long-term uncrewed capability benefits, suggesting a sustained role for uncrewed systems in various military and defense applications. Its goal is to “de-risking” the path to fully autonomous flight, indicating efforts to address potential risks and challenges in developing fully autonomous drones, ensuring safety and feasibility.

Maritime Operations and Beyond

The design of the Proteus RWUAS is optimized for maritime operations, making it a valuable asset to the Royal Navy. The single-engine air vehicle, falling within the 2-3 ton class, offers adaptability to fulfill a wide range of roles, including maritime surveillance, maritime organic air missions, and logistics supply. This adaptability positions the Proteus as a versatile tool capable of addressing various challenges and requirements.

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The unveiling of the Proteus Rotary-Wing Unmanned Aerial System represents a significant leap in the world of unmanned aerial systems. Leonardo’s commitment to innovation and collaboration with the UK MOD and the Royal Navy underscores the importance of this project. As we look forward to its first flight in the middle of this decade, the future of uncrewed aviation appears promising, with the Proteus leading the way.