Protector takes to the skies
The first MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS for the RAF (designated Protector RG Mk1) successfully completed its first flight in the US on 25 September, the UK MoD announced on 28 September.
This follows a £65 million ($82 million) production contract in July with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) for the first three Protectors and three ground control stations. The MoD has the option to order 13 more; Shephard Defence Insight estimates the overall cost of the programme at $1 billion.
The RAF plans to replace its MQ-9A Reaper fleet with 16 Protectors for ISTAR and combat missions, with in-country deliveries to begin in 2023 before entry into service by mid-2024.
The new MALE UAVs and associated systems will ultimately be based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, but for now the first Protector aircraft will remain in the US to support system testing as part of a combined MoD, USAF and GA-ASI test team.
Initial testing will be followed by delivery to the MoD in mid-2021, although the Protectors will remain in the US to complete the RAF test and evaluation programme.
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