Protector: RAF's newest aircraft takes its first flight in the UK

The Royal Air Force's newest aircraft, the remotely piloted Protector RG Mk1 aircraft has taken its first flight in the UK.

It took to the skies over RAF Waddington, marking "another important milestone in the delivery of the surveillance, intelligence, and precision strike aircraft to the front line", said the RAF.

The remotely piloted aircraft system is undergoing a series of rigorous trials and tests before entering the RAF fleet.

• RAF Protector: What is this aircraft and what can it do?
• Training for RAF aircrews on Protector drone begins in US
• Royal Navy pushes boundaries with launch of largest uncrewed aircraft from carrier

The first of 16 Protector aircraft arrived at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire in September.

They are capable of operating across the world with a minimal deployed footprint and remotely piloted from RAF Waddington, they can operate at heights up to 40,000 feet with an endurance of over 30 hours.

Protector is the largest and most advanced remotely piloted aircraft flown in UK airspace.

Its latest outing saw it successfully taxied and fly a series of circuits around the airfield, this was at all times under the control of a pilot through its ground-based advanced cockpit.

'A fitting milestone'

Equipped with a suite of surveillance equipment, the RAF says the "Protector aircraft will bring a critical global surveillance capability for the UK, all while being remotely piloted from RAF Waddington".

"Achieving the first flight of Protector in UK Airspace is a fitting milestone for this phase of testing, representing an outstanding team effort," RAF Programme Director for Protector, Group Captain Rutledge said.

He added: "We will now build on this success and look forward to the next Test and evaluation phase as part of our preparations for the In-Service Date later next year."

Protector will be able to undertake a wide range of tasks including land and maritime surveillance to track threats, counter-terrorism, and support to UK civil authorities, such as assisting HM Coastguard with search and rescue missions.

Mr Holford, Head of Remotely Piloted Air Systems for Defence Equipment and Support said: "At DE&S one of our key drivers is strengthening operations by providing cutting-edge equipment into the hands of our Armed Forces.

"Seeing the first UK Protector take flight on UK soil is a key moment along that journey to our goal."

Protector will be certified to stringent Nato safety and certification standards, which will allow it to operate in the UK and European civilian airspace.

According to the RAF: "Arrival into the UK of 15 further aircraft from General Atomics in the US, will be a phased delivery over the coming years. All aircraft are expected to be delivered and in-service by Jul 2025".