General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) announced today that the first Protector RG Mk1 UAV had been handed over to the Royal Air Force (RAF). The aircraft will remain in the United States to participate in the RAF's initial training programme. The first UAV delivery is scheduled for 2023.
According to the RAF, Protector is being tested against stringent NATO and UK safety certification standards to gain full operational clearance, allowing it to operate in civilian airspace. Protector is expected to achieve certification in 2024.
The UAV has over 40 hours of endurance. Protector will replace Reaper and will be used in various Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations.
