UK’s First Protector UCAV has Arrived at RAF Waddington
The first of the UK Royal Air Force’s 16 new Protector Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) arrived at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, this week. The Protector RG Mk1 (MQ-9B) completed their final testing back in September 2022. The UK originally signed the contract for the RPAS with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. in August 2020.
Protector is equipped with a suite of surveillance equipment and with its 30+ hour endurance brings a critical global surveillance capability for the RAF. Protector is a medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) aircraft which can cruise at 40,000 feet. The new RPAS will be remotely piloted from RAF Waddington. The RAF’s 31 Squadron, nicknamed the Goldstars, was reformed on 11 October and has spent the last several weeks assembling the aircraft and preparing it for ground and air testing ahead of its anticipated in-service date in 2024.
Protector boasts a payload comprising of a complex suite of sensors, including a High-Definition Electro-Optical, Infra-Red (IR) camera and will also be able to carry precision strike weapon including UK-manufactured Brimstone missiles and Paveway IV Laser Guided Bombs.
James Cartlidge, the UK’s Minister for Defence Procurement, said:
“The UK’s world-class Protector will emphasise our ultra-modern surveillance and intelligence capabilities, ready to deploy against potential adversaries around the globe. With the first aircraft at RAF Waddington ready to begin trials, we will once again demonstrate we are spearheading military defence technology.”
The new aircraft’s first test phase at RAF Waddington will see its satellite links tested and landing and take-off procedures established. Air Commodore Alex Hicks, the Senior Responsible Officer, Protector program welcomed the arrival of Protector saying:
“The ISR Capability Team will be working with 56 Squadron, our test and evaluation experts, will put the aircraft through its paces to ensure it is ready for operational service next year, whilst the newly reformed 31 Squadron will focus on preparing to operate the aircraft in service.
This is an important milestone for the Programme, Air Force and wider defence…”
Once in service Protector will be tasked with operations around the world, likely including in the middle east, the Mediterranean and in the Scandinavian and Baltic regions. The remaining 15 further aircraft will be delivered to the UK in phases providing the RAF with a very capable armed Intelligence Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) platform.