Leonardo given ‘green light’ for Proteus VTOL demonstration flight

Photo: Leonardo

The UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Future Capability Group (FCG) has awarded Leonardo a four-year contract, valued at 71 million euros, to deliver the ‘Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System’ (RWUAS) ‘Technology Demonstration Programme’ (TDP) — RWUAS CCD phase 3 TDP.

This programme, which is funded through Defence Innovation, will include the flight of an advanced uncrewed VTOL prototype. Referred to by the UK MoD as Proteus, it is a key element of the Royal Navy Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) vision for anti-submarine warfare support.

The award supports the company’s aim for its site in Yeovil, Somerset — already the ‘Home of British Helicopters’ — to expand to also become the UK’s hub for uncrewed military VTOL aircraft. Internationally, Leonardo is already at the heart of several uncrewed ‘research and innovation’ programmes ranging from advanced air mobility to uncrewed combat air, counter-UAS technologies, and uncrewed traffic management.

In the UK, Leonardo is a close partner of the MoD and has already invested substantially in uncrewed military capabilities onshore. In Yeovil, the specialised helicopter design and engineering skills have made the site a focus for uncrewed systems. The company has previously conducted several advanced research projects under RWUAS phases 1 and 2; phase 3 will sustain and grow this onshore design and technology development capability by readying a brand-new uncrewed prototype for its maiden flight.

Adam Clarke, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters (UK), said, “Uncrewed VTOL aircraft will transform military capability while also having application in other market sectors, both in the UK and around the world. This contract represents a major step towards our future in next-generation uncrewed military technology and the sustainment of unique engineering skills onshore.”

Following on from learnings and technology developed through the first two phases of the RWUAS CCD programme, phase 3 will see Leonardo create a demonstration aircraft that will have modularity at its core. The dual-use RWUAS prototype will be adapted to deliver a wide range of roles in the military and parapublic domains. These include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime specific missions, and logistics supply.