UK Tests CAPSTONE Anti-Submarine Drone

British company Certo Aerospace has demonstrated the CAPSTONE unmanned helicopter-type drone as a platform for anti-submarine warfare.

According to Defence Blog, the test was conducted as part of the Royal Navy’s ATLANTIC BASTION technology demonstration program. It focused on the drone’s ability to detect, locate, and track underwater targets using sonobuoys – floating acoustic sensors that monitor submarine activity.

During the test, the aircraft conducted missions for two hours while carrying a set of sonobuoys.

The drone was also integrated with the UYS-506 acoustic processor from General Dynamics Mission Systems.

Data collected by the sonobuoys was transmitted from the drone to the CAPSTONE ground control station, where the UYS-506 system then processed it.

This allowed operators to monitor the underwater environment in real time, including acoustic signals, target coordinates, and their movement parameters.

The aircraft is reported to have a mass of around 600 kg and can carry up to 300 kg of payload. Its onboard systems enable autonomous operation for up to 10 hours. The design features a coaxial rotor configuration.

Last year, the UK division of Leonardo presented the Proteus maritime unmanned system concept, which is being developed for the Royal Navy.

This unmanned helicopter serves as a technology demonstrator, used to validate solutions in modularity, autonomy, and the integration of various types of mission and payload systems.

The experience gained through the Proteus project is intended to support the development of future rotorcraft platforms, particularly by advancing design and manufacturing approaches.