Leonardo Helicopters has edged a step closer to flying its AW09-based Proteus technology demonstrator for the UK Royal Navy (RN), with the unmanned aircraft having successfully undergone its first ground runs.

Performed at the developer’s Yeovil site in Somerset, southwest England, the activity tested the roughly 3t aircraft’s “engine, systems and rotor blades”, the RN said on 2 December.

“This is the first step towards creating a truly autonomous vertical take-off and landing aircraft in this weight class,” adds the service, which plans to in the future operate hybrid air wings equipped with a mix of crewed and uncrewed assets.

Leonardo Helicopters has produced the Proteus demonstrator as the centrepiece of a programme valued at £60 million ($79 million). Once flying, it will be used to show the utility of an autonomous uncrewed platform in the anti-submarine warfare role, including deploying and monitoring sonobuoys.

“By embracing drone helicopters, the navy aims to search wider stretches of ocean for longer periods without putting strain on aircrew, who could be deployed on other critical sorties,” the RN says.

It notes that a future operational vehicle in this class could also undertake roles such as “airborne surveillance and control, search and rescue, logistics re-supply for ground forces, weapon delivery and intelligence-gathering”.

The Proteus vehicle is equipped with a modular bay capable of carrying a payload of up to 1t.

“It combines cutting-edge technology, the experience of recent conflicts and has enormous potential to shape the Royal Navy’s future hybrid air wing,” says Captain David Gillett, head of maritime aviation and carrier strike in the service’s develop directorate.

“Proteus is equipped with cutting-edge onboard software capabilities, carrying a suite of sensors and systems that allow it to sense its environment, make decisions and act accordingly,” notes Nigel Colman, Leonardo’s managing director, helicopters UK.

Speaking at the DSEI exhibition in London in mid-September, Leonardo officials said they were expecting the Proteus programme’s Phase 3A activity – including an initial series of flight trials – to be completed before the end of this year.