RAF Protector RG Mk1 Takes First Flight

The aircraft's maiden voyage came as the Royal Navy also conducted the largest UAV launch ever from a British carrier.

Kimberly Johnson

Monday, November 20, 2023 at 01:09 PM ET

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The Royal Air Force's Protector RG Mk1 takes its first flight in the U.K. Friday. [Courtesy: Royal Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The Royal Air Force's first Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) successfully completed its maiden flight in the U.K., enhancing its global surveillance and combat capabilities.
The long-endurance Protector, remotely piloted from RAF Waddington, will introduce a "step change" in capability, with 16 units expected to be fully operational by July 2025.
Concurrently, the Royal Navy successfully launched its largest ever uncrewed aircraft, a "Mojave" UAV, from HMS Prince of Wales, marking a European first and advancing future U.K. naval air power.

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The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) first Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) has taken its first flight in the U.K., the service announced.

Last month, the RAF said that it was preparing its first delivered Protector for ground and air testing. Initial trials were to include ground testing of satellite links and taxi procedures, as well as takeoff and landing procedures.