Leonardo UK presents the Proteus marine drone concept
The British arm of the Italian Leonardo company has unveiled the Proteus maritime unmanned helicopter concept, created in cooperation with the Royal Navy and the UK Ministry of Defence.
Here's What We Know
Proteus is a technology demonstrator designed to test solutions for modularity, autonomy and integration of various combat and payloads. The experience gained during the development of this drone will be used to create new advanced helicopters, including improving their design and production methods.
The Proteus is being developed as part of the Royal Navy's Naval Aviation Transformation Strategy, which envisages significant changes in the industry by 2040. To reduce costs and accelerate production, the company used components from its helicopter range and existing drone development programmes.
The Proteus drone concept. Source: Leonardo
Leonardo has also created a "digital twin" of the Proteus, which allows testing, modification and confirmation of capabilities without conducting real-world tests. This reduces costs and speeds up development. The process also uses 3D printing technologies and cost-effective composite materials.
Funding for the development of the Proteus in the amount of 71 million euros was allocated in 2022. The prototype is due to take to the skies in the middle of this year.
Source: Leonardo
