UK’s royal navy launches first crewless autonomous helicopter

UK’s Royal Navy said on Friday its first full-sized autonomous helicopter, designed to track submarines and carry out other high-risk missions, had completed its maiden flight.

Designed and built by defence and aerospace group Leonardo company, Proteus relies on sensors and computer systems powered by software that allows it to interpret its environment and make decisions, the navy said. Developed under a 60 million-pound programme, it also was designed for anti-submarine warfare, sea patrols and underwater vessel tracking.