The world-class Protector will be the first remotely
controlled aircraft capable of attacking targets anywhere
in world while being operated from their home base in RAF
Waddington.
This contract will see General Atomics test the aircraft to
its limit and report back on its performance in advance of
the aircraft’s introduction to the frontline in 2024.
Speaking at the DSEi conference today the Chief of the Air
Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, said:
Protector exemplifies the benefits that military-industry
partnering can bring. Through the embedding of
experienced RAF operators in the programme, we are
helping bring to life a world-leading capability which
will provide the RAF with a remotely-piloted air system
that can operate worldwide in unsegregated airspace.
Defence Minister said:
Our intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities
will be critical to staying ahead of our adversaries as
we enter an era dominated by grey-zone warfare.
This contract represents a welcome step towards our
world-beating Protector aircraft reaching the frontline,
giving us the upper-hand against our adversaries.
Replacing the Reaper aircraft, Protector will be the
world’s first certified Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS),
meaning it can operate in civilian airspace. This is
possible due to the aircraft’s ground-breaking Detect and
Avoid system which draws on enhanced sensors to avoid other
aircraft.
Protector will be able to fly consistently for up to 40
hours, offering the RAF vastly improved armed Intelligence,
Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)
capability. The aircraft will be deployed across the full
spectrum of operations, including ISTAR, search and rescue,
flood prevention or disaster response missions.
Sir , CEO of Defence
Equipment and Support, said:
Our partnership with General Atomics is allowing us to
explore cutting-edge technology to deliver capability to
the RAF which is world class.
These trials with Protector show that we are determined
to push the boundaries and ensure that our military
personnel have the capability to respond robustly to a
range of constantly evolving threats on the battlefield.
The aircraft will use enhanced data links and carry
next-generation, low collateral, precision strike weapons,
including the UK-made Brimstone missile (MBDA) and Paveway
IV Laser Guided Bomb (Raytheon UK). The aircraft’s design
enables almost unlimited payload options in the future,
depending on requirement.
The fleet will also have advanced anti-icing and lightning
protection, providing the RAF with unprecedented
flexibility to operate in adverse weather conditions.
Protector achieved a historic first last year after a
demonstration aircraft flew non-stop from North Dakota to
Gloucestershire in a flight that took over just over 20
hours.
The first Protector aircraft will be delivered to the RAF
in October 2021. The aircraft will be based at RAF
Waddington, which is set to benefit from the planned
investment of £93 million to construct a new purpose-built
hanger as well new facilities and accommodation for crews.
