Protector RG Mk1 Drone Enters Service with UK Royal Air Force

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Protector RG Mk1 Drone Enters Service with UK Royal Air Force
RAF Protector

In a historic first, the Protector RG Mk1, the first Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) that is authorised to fly in UK Airspace, has entered service with the Royal Air Force.

This programme milestone was reached following extensive test and evaluation, led by 56 Squadron with 31 Squadron providing engineering and support services. Protector recently completed a flight from RAF Waddington to RAF Marham through UK Airspace.

Further testing will be completed over the summer prior to the planned transition from the RAF’s Reaper platform to Protector later in 2025. The Protector programme will deliver a cutting edge RPAS for the UK, replacing the current Reaper capability, and will be the first remotely piloted aircraft of this type capable of flying in the UK in all classes of airspace.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
A Royal Air Force Protector RG-Mk1 (MQ-9B), serial number PR010, from its home station at RAF Waddington, conducted a planned landaway exercise at RAF Marham. This routine training is crucial for ensuring operational flexibility and validating the aircraft's capability to safely divert and operate from alternative airfields, should unforeseen circumstances necessitate a change of destination.RAF Marham is the home of the F-35B Lightning, a 5th Generation, multi-role, stealth fighter. The Station is also home to a range of engineering support functions from maintenance to frontline support.

Protector introduces a unique and long-endurance capability to UK Defence, specialising in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance as well as strike operations. When operational, this advanced system can be deployed globally with minimal on-site support, making it highly versatile for various missions.

Remotely piloted from RAF Waddington, it can operate at heights up to 40,000 feet and has an endurance of over 30 hours. RAF Waddington is also the home to the UK’s Protector Training Facility, housing elements of the UK NATO Flight Training Europe facility and managed by 54 Squadron.

A Royal Air Force Protector RG-Mk1 (MQ-9B), serial number PR010

The first Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS) and simulators have been delivered and installed at RAF Waddington. The first Air Vehicle (AV) was delivered in Sep 2023. There are currently four AVs in the UK with a further six being used for test and evaluation in the USA. All expected AV deliveries will be completed in 2025.

Source: UK Royal Air Force

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