Leonardo’s naval based Proteus Rotary Wing UAS (RWUAS) concept on display at DSEI (Breaking Defense)
DSEI 2023 — Leonardo recently displayed its Proteus Rotary Wing UAS (RWUAS) concept model for the first time though the final design still depends on the assessment of “potential systems” that could be integrated on the helicopter unmanned aircraft.
The design showcased at the DSEI 2023 expo, though not built to scale, includes a single main rotor and architecture “suited to exploring maritime capabilities” including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance; maritime missions and logistics supply, according to Adam Clarke, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, a subsidiary of the Italian defense firm.
Once a final design architecture has been finalized, Leonardo plans on flying a two- to three-ton RWUAS technology demonstrator for the first time “in the middle of this decade,” hoping to support the UK Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) agenda, addressing Anti-Submarine Warfare as well as Airborne Early Warning (AEW) support missions.
“Leonardo and UK MOD [Ministry of Defence] are adopting a fully integrated team approach, adopting agile principles to drive an outcome-based project,” added the manufacturer in a statement. “The technology demonstrator’s mission systems and mission modules will ensure rapid role changes for frontline commands, including naval and land forces, with mission flexibility during embarked operations.”
Clarke also added that Leonardo has already completed “a number of System Concept Reviews and have launched significant work on autonomous functionality required to deliver high end mission capability.”
The MoD issued Leonardo with a £60 million ($74 million) contract, over four years, to complete the RWUAS Technology Demonstration Programme (TDP) in July 2022.
Leonardo said at the time that the contract served to support a strategic target of expanding beyond helicopter manufacturing at its Yeovil, south west England facility, to become the UK’s hub for uncrewed military vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
The company prides itself on a reputation of being “the home of British helicopters” with Yeovil producing AW101 Merlin and AW159 aircraft, with plans to also build AW149 multirole helicopters from the site, if awarded a production contract by the UK for the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program.
Airbus and US giant Lockheed Martin are competing against Leonardo for that acquisition, though industry has still to receive final requirements, and London has not confirmed when the aircraft will enter service.
