The UK has signed a long-term logistics and sustainment contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to support the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) fleet of Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft.
The United Kingdom Protector Availability and Support Solution (UK PASS) contract also covers support for the Certifiable Ground Control Stations and the Synthetic Training Systems required to operate the Protector unmanned aircraft.
“This contract marks an essential milestone in the fielding of the Protector RPA system for the RAF,” said Chris Dusseault, company VP of MQ-9Bs in Europe.
“With the UK PASS contract in place, we can now transition from the test and development phase of the program to training the RAF flight crews for operations,” he added, as the first eight out of 16 ordered are scheduled for initial operating capability this year.
UK PASS is part of a broader SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions (SGSS) program supporting all MQ-9B customers, such as India and Taiwan.
Through SGSS, resources like labor, materials, and overhead for maintenance and supply management are pooled together and shared among all customers, leading to more efficient services at a lower cost.
Versatile Aircraft
The Protector RG Mk1 is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, performing a wide range of persistent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, including electronic warfare, anti-submarine warfare, border enforcement, and search and rescue.
It is designed to fly via satellite communications during the day or night and in all weather conditions for up to 40 hours.
With a wingspan of 79 feet (24 meters), the Protector is equipped with the Lynx Multi-mode Radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared sensor suite, and automatic takeoff and landing capabilities.
