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.
The long-endurance Protector UAV, based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, is designed to provide critical global surveillance and combat capabilities for the RAF, with 16 units expected in service by July 2025.
Concurrently, the Royal Navy achieved a European first by successfully launching a large "Mojave" UAV from HMS Prince of Wales, signaling a significant step towards a new generation of mixed crewed and uncrewed 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.