The UK Royal Air Force has accepted its second MQ-9B Protector drone from General Atomics at Waddington station in Lincoln.
The induction follows completion of the system’s assembly and ground trials at the site led by 31 Squadron air base support engineers, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and Defence Equipment & Support.
The 56 Squadron test and evaluation experts will conduct additional trials to ensure the MQ-9B’s full operational capability by next year.
After the second Protector’s arrival, five more aircraft will be shipped by the end of 2024 as the service completes preparations to transition aircrew and technicians from the older MQ-9A Reaper.
Progress in MQ-9B Integration
General Atomics received an initial contract in July 2020 for three Protectors as part of London’s objective to modernize its airborne lethality assets, each tailored specifically to the British military’s requirements. The aircraft’s first flight was held in the US two months later.
In July 2021, the UK defense agency signed another contract for 13 more MQ-9Bs.
General Atomics handed over the first Protector in October 2022. This was followed by the system’s maiden flight in British territory in November 2023.
The Royal Air Force wrote in its latest press release that the first eight MQ-9Bs are scheduled to enter service in 2025, with RAF Waddington serving as the entire fleet’s home base.
General Atomics Protector
The Protector MQ-9B is a medium-altitude, long-endurance platform designed for intelligence, surveillance, targeting, and reconnaissance missions.
It measures 11.4 meters (37.5 feet) in length and has a wingspan of 24 meters (79 feet).
The aircraft is powered by a Honeywell turboprop engine for a top speed of 210 knots (389 kilometers/242 miles per hour), a service ceiling of 12,192 meters (40,000 feet), and endurance of over 30 hours.
The drone can be armed with Paveway IV laser-guided explosives, Brimstone 3 attack missiles, electro-optical/infrared cameras, temperature control solutions, detect and avoid technology, and a satellite communications payload.