UK Protector surveillance UAV begins trials
The RAF initiated a programme to replace the MQ-9A with the enhanced MQ-9B SkyGuardian. (Photo: RAF/UK Crown Copyright)
The first of 16 remotely piloted MQ-9B Protector UAV has arrived at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, UK, to commence a series of trials and tests before entering service with the RAF.
‘Equipped with a suite of surveillance equipment, the Protector aircraft will bring a critical global surveillance capability for the UK, all while being remotely piloted from RAF Waddington,’ the MoD noted in a 23 October statement.
The first phase of tests, beginning this week, will involve ground testing of the satellite links and taxi procedures, as well as take-off and landing trials. This will also incorporate a circuit above RAF Waddington.
In 2015, the RAF initiated a programme to replace the MQ-9A with the enhanced MQ-9B SkyGuardian, designated as the Protector RG1
After several delays, on 15 July 2020, the then Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, announced the MoD had signed a £65 million (US$78.2 million) contract with GA-ASI for the UK's first three MQ-9B Protector aircraft.
The contract contained an option to build 13 more aircraft and four ground control stations. About year later, the UK exercised this contract during a visit to GKN Aerospace (GKNA). The MoD, who signed the contract with GA-ASI, said it was worth £195 million (US$268.3 million).
The Protector will conduct land and maritime surveillance, counter-terrorism and support to UK civil authorities in search and rescue missions.
Based on Shephard Defence Insight reports, the first units will be expected to enter service in mid-2024. As stated by the MoD in a contract notification to the UAV's entry into service, the Protector would be in service until ‘the mid-2030s’, giving the platform a decade-long lifespan.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.