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The Proteus, developed by Leonardo from the AW09 helicopter, conducted two autonomous test flights at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall. The £60 million program aims to support the Royal Navy's hybrid air wing, enhancing maritime operational capabilities.

The helicopter is designed for missions including anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol, utilizing onboard sensors for autonomous flight. Though not intended for full production, Proteus serves as a technology demonstrator for future uncrewed systems. With a payload capacity exceeding one tonne, it is a significant advancement for Royal Navy operations in the North Atlantic, addressing growing maritime monitoring demands.