Protector has resumed flight testing with the Royal Air Force after four of the uncrewed surveillance aircraft were delivered to the UK.
Procured by Defense Equipemnt and Support (DE&S), the Protector RG Mk1 is a remotely piloted drone that will replace the RAF’s Reaper drone and offer advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.
General Atomics’ Protector is based on its MQ-9B SkyGuardian and a successor to the MQ-9A Reaper. Protector is around a third larger, with a maximum take-off weight of 12,500 lbs, and features anti-icing capabilities broadening where it can be used, as well as updated targeting cameras.
Protector has a wingspan of 79ft and can operate at an altitude of up to 40,000ft with more than 30 hours of endurance. It will be fitted with precision strike weapons such as Brimstone and the Paveway IV laser-guided bomb.
The latest test flight took off from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire under the supervision of the RAF’S 56 (Test & Evaluation) Squadron and was supported by 31 and 54 Squadrons. Part of the third phase of the test and evaluation program, it was the second UK flight for Protector and marks the start of key integration and operational testing for the aircraft.
The first Protector arrived at RAF Waddington in October 2023. The drones were planned to enter service last year, but their introduction has been delayed to later this year because of cost overruns and problems with infrastructure.
A total of 16 Protectors are expected to be delivered by mission partners General Atomics. The first Certifiable Ground Control Station and simulator have also been delivered and installed at RAF Waddington.
Richard Cameron, uncrewed air system delivery team leader at DE&S said, “The latest successful flight of Protector in UK air space is an important next step as we continue to work with our industry partners to deliver this advanced new capability for the RAF.
“A quarter of the fleet is now on UK soil, while a further three Protectors are being used for valuable test, evaluation and training in the USA.”
(Image: DE&S)
The Protector fleet will initially be based at RAF Waddington but could be deployed anywhere in the world while being remotely piloted from the airbase, which will also serve as a training centre for UK students.
The center at RAF Waddington will put the RAF’s ISTAR force at the forefront of Uncrewed Air Systems for the UK and its allies, said DE&S.
RAF Wing Commander Podmore, Officer Commanding 56 Squadron said, “This flight was a significant milestone and a culmination of a huge effort across the entire Protector enterprise.
“The flight test team, led by 56 Squadron and supported by 31 and 54 Squadron, should be tremendously proud noting this event marks the start of key integration and operational testing for the platform.”
As well as military operations, the Protector drones will also fly within UK civilian airspace to support counter-terrorism operations and support civilian authority tasks, such as assisting the coastguard with search and rescue missions.
