The Royal Air Force has brought the first of 16 remotely piloted Protector aircraft to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire for testing.
The UK’s air and space force is on its way to incorporating autonomous aircrafts into its fleet. Protector is a new uncrewed aircraft capable of carrying out global surveillance and strike operations. It has a wingspan of 79ft and can operate at heights up to 40,000ft. It also has an endurance of more than 30 hours.
The first of this new line of aircraft will begin a series of tests at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire this week, with a view to joining the fleet in late 2024.
The aircraft is expected to undertake a wide range of tasks, including land and maritime surveillance to track threats, counterterrorism and support to UK civil authorities, such as assisting HM Coastguard with search and rescue missions.
The aircraft has been assembled by a newly reformed 31 Squadron, which previously operated the Tornado GR4. The squadron has a history stretching back to 1915 and has operated multiple aircraft types in the last century.
The tests that the aircraft will be submitted to include ground-testing of satellite links and taxi procedures, as well as taking off and landing. Defence procurement minister James Cartlidge said the trials will “demonstrate how we are spearheading military defence technology”.
“The UK’s world-class Protector aircraft will emphasise our ultra-modern surveillance, intelligence and precision strike capabilities, ensuring we are ready to monitor and protect against potential adversaries around the globe,” he said.
Protector will adhere to strict Nato standards – allowing it to operate in the UK and European civilian airspace.
Air Commodore Alex Hicks said the arrival of Protector is “the culmination of years of work by many personnel across the whole of the MoD”.
“The ISR Capability Team will be working with 56 Squadron, our test and evaluation experts, who will put the aircraft through its paces to ensure it is ready for operational service next year, whilst the newly reformed 31 Squadron will focus on preparing to operate the aircraft in service,” he said.
“This is an important milestone for the programme, Air Force and wider defence, and I am delighted to see Protector at RAF Waddington.”
A further 15 aircraft from the US will arrive in the UK as part of a phased delivery over the coming years. All aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025.
