About the Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B)

ROLE

Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B) is the successor to Reaper (MQ-9A) and is the next generation of remotely piloted medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) aircraft. Protector will be deployed in wide-ranging armed Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations where its ability to fly consistently for up to 40 hours will offer the RAF a vastly improved armed ISTAR capability.

Protector aircraft flying against blue skies
Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B)

CAPABILITY

Considered a step change in capability for the RAF, the cutting-edge platform will be capable of being flown anywhere in the world while being operated by personnel located at RAF Waddington. Protector will be able to fly in busy, unsegregated airspace thanks to its ground-breaking ‘detect and avoid’ technology. The platform will also be able to take off and land automatically, increasing its flexibility and meaning there will be a significantly reduced deployed footprint when compared to other remotely piloted platforms such as Reaper.

The aircraft payload comprises of a complex suite of sensors, including a High-Definition Electro-Optical, Infra-Red (IR) camera, which, combined with endurance, provides a sensational persistent reconnaissance capability across the electro-magnetic spectrum. Protector will be able to respond rapidly and offer commanders flexibility, allowing the aircraft to perform a plethora of strategic tasks, ranging from close air support to disaster relief, should it be requested.

The aircraft will use enhanced data links and carry next-generation, low-collateral, precision strike weapons – the UK-made Brimstone missile (MBDA) and Paveway IV Laser Guided Bomb (Raytheon UK). In addition to MBDA and Raytheon, 12 other UK companies contribute towards the MQ-9B programme.

The first Protector arrived at RAF Waddington in 2023.

Protector aircraft landing on the runway
Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B)

 

Based at

Flying with

Specifications

Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B):

  • Length: 37.5ft (11.43m)
  • Wingspan: 79ft (24m)
  • Maximum take-off weight: 12,500lbs
  • Endurance: 30hrs +
  • Armament: 500lb Paveway IV laser-guided bombs and Brimstone 3 missiles.

Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B) Recognition

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History of the Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B)

Protector Programme Milestones

Oct 2015 The PM announces the Protector programme

Jul 2018 Protector prototype conducts first transatlantic flight to take part in RIAT

Jul 2018 31 Squadron announced as the first Protector squadron

Jul 2020 MOD signs £65m contract for initial 3 Protector aircraft with option to purchase 13 more

Aug 2020 UK and Belgium sign a Bilateral Statement of Intent to collaborate on their MQ-9B programmes

Sep 2020 UK’s first Protector undertakes maiden flight

Summer 2021 Protector prototype returns to the UK to take part in airspace integration flights and conduct capability demos

November 2023 Protector completes first flight in UK Airspace

2024 Protector enters service