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 (RAF) successfully conducted the maiden flight of its Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in the U.K., marking a key step for its advanced surveillance and combat capabilities.
Based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, the Protector RG Mk1 offers long-endurance global surveillance and combat features, with all 16 units anticipated to be operational by July 2025.
Concurrently, the Royal Navy achieved a "European first" by successfully launching a large "Mojave" uncrewed aerial vehicle from HMS Prince of Wales, signalling a significant advancement towards next-generation naval air power incorporating mixed crewed and uncrewed forces.

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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.