UK flies first autonomous helicopter with over one-tonne payload

The UK achieved a significant milestone in aviation with the maiden flight of Proteus, the country’s first fully autonomous full-size helicopter, at Predannack airfield in Cornwall. Developed by Leonardo for the Royal Navy, Proteus is a technology demonstrator designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft within a future hybrid air wing. Unlike smaller drones currently in service, Proteus matches the scale and capability of conventional helicopters, carrying payloads exceeding one tonne and capable of operating in challenging maritime conditions. Its advanced sensors and onboard computers enable real-time environmental assessment and autonomous decision-making, reducing risks to personnel and freeing crewed helicopters for other tasks. Built in Yeovil at a cost of £60 million, the Proteus programme supports around 100 skilled UK jobs and represents a major step in British helicopter innovation. The helicopter plays a central role in the UK’s Atlantic Bastion strategy to defend the North Atlantic and NATO allies through advanced hybrid forces. It can support anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and surveillance missions