Leonardo has revealed the design of its new Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft technology demonstrator, a circa three-tonne aircraft developed to showcase advances in autonomy, modular payloads, and cutting-edge rotorcraft technologies.
The announcement, made on 7 January 2025, marks a significant step in supporting the UK Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATx) strategy, which aims to enhance maritime aviation capabilities through 2040.
The Proteus demonstrator incorporates a modular payload bay that enables “flexibility in mission roles, including the ability to trade fuel for mission payload,” according to Leonardo. This design allows commanders to customise the aircraft for specific missions, potentially reducing the need for multiple aircraft types and delivering value for money.
The aircraft will also act as a platform to test autonomous Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities, leveraging experience from Leonardo’s existing Uncrewed Air System (UAS) programmes. Advanced flight control laws and algorithms will be tested to validate the viability of large uncrewed platforms in maritime environments.
Leonardo highlighted its use of advanced digital tools in Proteus’ development, including a ‘digital twin’ to simulate and test capabilities without live trials.
The company stated, “Utilising a digital twin, AI and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in a synthetic environment enables Leonardo to test, modify and prove capability without the need for live aircraft trials, thereby reducing costs and significantly accelerating development.”
Innovative manufacturing techniques, such as additive layer manufacturing (3D printing) and low-temperature cure composite materials, are being used to streamline production and reduce costs, say the firm. These technologies are expected to improve sustainability and resilience throughout Leonardo’s supply chain.
The Proteus programme was contracted in 2022 as part of a joint effort between Leonardo, the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Future Capability Innovation team, and the Royal Navy. The demonstrator is on track for its first flight in mid-2025, according to the company.