After a successful development phase Protector is set to
enter service by mid-2024, meaning that the Remotely
Piloted Air System (RPAS) will deliver a step-change in
capability for the RAF.
Protector is the world’s first certified RPAS, enabling it
to fly in busy, unsegregated airspace, including civilian
airspace, thanks to its ground-breaking ‘detect and avoid’
technology.
The contract was announced by Defence Secretary at the virtual 2020 Air
and Space Power Conference.
Defence Secretary said:
The UK is proving once again that we are a world leader
in defence technology. Protector will provide the RAF
with vast global reach, meeting the UK’s defence and
security needs for decades to come, and provides another
increase to the unmanned inventory for the Armed Forces.
This aircraft will upgrade a whole range of lethal
capabilities allowing us to control, protect and manage
the battlespace from the air for hours on end.
The cutting-edge aircraft, which will replace the current
Reaper RPAS force, will be deployed in wide-ranging
Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance
(ISTAR) operations from its base at RAF Waddington,
Lincolnshire.
Its ability to fly consistently for up to 40 hours will
offer the RAF vastly improved armed intelligence and
reconnaissance sorties.
The innovative fleet will also have advanced anti-icing and
lightning protection, providing the RAF with unprecedented
flexibility to operate in extreme weather conditions.
Protector also comes with enhanced data links and will
carry next-generation, low collateral, precision strike
weapons – the UK-made Brimstone missile (MBDA) and Paveway
IV Laser Guided Bomb (Raytheon UK).
The contract follows a successful development phase by
manufacturers General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
which will build the first three Protector aircraft, plus
three ground control stations and other associated support
equipment.
It also includes an option to build 13 more aircraft and
four ground control stations, which will complete the
current planned fleet of 16 aircraft, more than doubling
the capability currently provided by Reaper.
Sir , CEO of Defence
Equipment and Support, said:
I am delighted to announce that we have got Protector
production on contract. The DE&S team have
demonstrated their remarkable resilience and overcome
considerable challenges to ensure this significant
programme remained on track.
Their efforts and the collaborative commitment from
industry means that the RAF can still look forward to the
delivery of the cutting-edge Protector and the
step-change in capability that it brings.
Meeting stringent NATO and UK safety certification
standards, the aircraft could, if requested, operate in
civilian airspace to support civilian agencies in the UK,
for example, in search and rescue and disaster response
missions.
