Proteus heavy RUAV, which is being jointly developed by Italian Leonardo and the UK’s Royal Navy, has completed ground tests prior to its maiden flight.
The Royal Navy announced the completion of Proteus’ ground tests, involving a startup of the engine and the verification of propulsive components before the eventual maiden flight at Yeovil. Proteus was shown during the DSEI UK 2025 defence exhibition.
The RUAV features a fuselage with a large internal volume relative to its size, which will be mainly utilised for ASW and logistic support missions.
Powered by a turboshaft engine, the helicopter uses a ducted tail rotor, which has advantages in terms of resistance to disturbances like winds or ship air wake, alongside safety.
This, coupled with longer endurance compared to a manned helicopter, is projected to reduce risk and workload on the high-end naval helicopter fleet alongside the far smaller Camcopter S-100 currently in use.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
