Britain’s Royal Navy said on Friday its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed to track submarines and carry out other high-risk missions amid rising North Atlantic tensions, had completed its maiden flight.
– The British navy said the helicopter, named Proteus, had successfully completed a short test routine.
– Developed under a 60 million-pound ($80.46 million) programme, it was key to defending Britain and NATO allies against what it called “evolving threats” in the North Atlantic.
– Designed and built by defence and aerospace group Leonardo, Proteus relies on sensors and computer systems powered by software that allows it to interpret its environment and make decisions
– It was designed for anti-submarine warfare, sea patrols, and underwater vessel tracking.
– “Proteus represents a step-change in how maritime aviation can deliver persistence, adaptability and reach – conducting the dull, dirty and dangerous missions in challenging environments without putting human operators at risk,” said Nigel Colman, UK managing director of Leonardo Helicopters.
– The navy already operates several drones, including a small surveillance helicopter, but Proteus is bigger and more sophisticated.