Watch incredible unmanned submarine-hunting helicopter dubbed Proteus – with drone set for Royal Navy trials in months
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THIS is the new unmanned drone designed to hunt submarines that will enter testing with the Royal Navy in a matter of months. The Proteus drone designed by defence company Leonardo is fully autonomous with a hydrogen-powered engine to locate enemy submarines.
![[The design of the demonstrator drone was unveiled by defence company Leonardo on January 7]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/4a977819-71a2-484d-b9b6-4b02a3e30b06.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
A prototype design of the aircraft was unveiled by the company on Tuesday after the Navy gave Proteus a £60 million contract in 2022 for the four-year project. But, the concept of a military Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System (RWUAS) has been investigated by Leonardo and the Ministry of Defence since 2013.
Weighing three tonnes and with a one-tonne payload, the robot helicopter developed for the Ministry of Defence is set to be trialled by the Royal Navy this summer. A test flight is due to take place in mid-2025, Leonardo confirmed. The aircraft's modular mission bay that can be swapped out for payloads or fuel means it will be suitable for a variety of missions.
![[The Proteus drone is set for Royal Navy trials in just a few months after a four-year project]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/referred-proteus-leonardo-developing-c3t-962186870.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
This modular bay is positioned where the cabin usually is and due to the weapon's adaptability, it is hoped to be a low-cost and flexible asset to the Royal Navy. Not only could the unmanned aircraft take part in complex anti-submarine missions, but it could also help run supplies and other vital work.
![[The three-tonne drone is hoped to transform warfare capabilities for the Royal Navy]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/886c78c7-9278-4a82-a6bb-b0da4490b938.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"It is capable of providing operational superiority in complex roles and tasks, ensuring maximum mission availability and effectiveness," Leonardo stated. One of its many uses will be to transport sonobuoys to a specific target. These buoys will be used to detect engine and propeller sounds underwater.
