UK makes aviation history with first autonomous full-size helicopter flight

British aviation reached a historic milestone as the United Kingdom’s first truly autonomous full-size helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight at Predannack airfield in Cornwall.

The aircraft, known as Proteus, has been designed and built by Leonardo as a technology demonstrator for the Royal Navy, showcasing the future potential of uncrewed aerial systems operating alongside crewed aircraft in a “hybrid air wing.”

The flight took place just weeks after Proteus completed comprehensive ground-running trials at Leonardo’s Yeovil facility, where its engines, sensors, and onboard systems were rigorously tested. Engineers, technicians, and representatives from Leonardo, the Royal Navy, and UK Defence Innovation witnessed the landmark event on the Lizard Peninsula. Predannack airfield, a satellite base for RNAS Culdrose, also plays a central role as the National Drone Hub for developing autonomous systems.

The successful maiden flight delivers on commitments outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, which envisions a “New Hybrid Navy” under the Atlantic Bastion programme to strengthen security across the North Atlantic. While the Royal Navy already operates uncrewed systems such as Malloy octocopters and the Peregrine surveillance helicopter, Proteus surpasses them in size, complexity, and level of autonomy.

Developed under a £60 million programme supporting around 100 highly skilled UK jobs, Proteus is believed to be among the world’s first full-size autonomous helicopters. In place of a human crew, it relies on advanced sensors and computer systems powered by sophisticated software that allows the aircraft to perceive its environment, make decisions, and act independently. With a payload capacity exceeding one tonne, Proteus can operate in challenging weather conditions and carry equipment for missions including anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol.

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “This maiden flight is a proud moment for British innovation… Autonomous systems like this will be vital in protecting our seas without putting personnel in harm’s way.”

Commodore Steve Bolton of the Royal Navy added that the flight marks “a significant step in delivering the Royal Navy’s maritime aviation transformation vision,” while Leonardo’s Nigel Colman described Proteus as a “step-change” for maritime aviation, capable of undertaking “dull, dirty and dangerous missions” without risking human lives.

The aircraft’s debut flight involved autonomous control throughout, under close supervision from ground crews, marking a decisive step toward the future of hybrid naval aviation.

By Vafa Guliyeva