General Atomics Protector RG (Mk1)

Enter service 2024 to
Protector RG1

Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B) is the successor to Reaper (MQ-9A) and is the next generation of remotely piloted medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) aircraft. Protector will be deployed in wide-ranging armed Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations where its ability to fly consistently for up to 40 hours will offer the RAF a vastly improved armed ISTAR capability.

Technical Specs
Wingspan: 79ft (24m)
Length: 37.5ft (11.43m)
Height: Not available
Empty Weight: Not available
Max Take Off Weight: 12,500lbs
Performance
Engine(s): Honeywell TPE331-10 Turboprop
Rate of Climb: Not available
Service Ceiling: Not available
Range: 40hrs +
Max Speed: Not available
Role
The role of this aircraft was intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance

Based on the revolutionary MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, Protector RG Mk1 is the next generation of RPAS, delivering persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) around the globe. Protector is designed to fly via SATCOM for up to 40 hours in all types of weather and safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the world—day or night. The aircraft is outfitted with the revolutionary Lynx® Multi-mode Radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared sensor, and automatic takeoff and landing, and features a longer wingspan than its predecessors at 79 feet (24m). However, Protector goes beyond sustaining industry-leading endurance and collecting real-time intelligence. It seamlessly integrates with user operational environments and equipment while expanding the missions of RPAS in support of the Armed Forces and civil authorities.

Protector can be configured to conduct a variety of ISTAR operations, including but not limited to:

  • Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief
  • Search and Rescue
  • Law Enforcement
  • Border Enforcement
  • Defensive Counter Air
  • Airborne Early Warning
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Long-Range Strategic ISTAR
  • Anti-Surface Warfare (Maritime Role-Fit)
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (Maritime Role-Fit)
Armaments & Stores
Below are the details of the armaments and stores that could be carried by the General Atomics Protector RG (Mk1). The General Atomics Protector RG (Mk1) had Not available hard points which stores could be attached.
    Bombs
  1. ▸
    500Lb Paveway IV LGB
    Missiles.
  1. ▸
    3 x Brimstone
31 Sqn Aircraft
Image

B.E.2.c

1915 - 1919
1
Image

Bristol-F.2 Fighter

1919 - 1931
2
Image

Douglas Dakota DC-3

1942 -
3
Image

English Electric Canberra PR.7

1955 - 1971
9
Image

McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2

1971 - 1976
10
Image

SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1

1976 - 1984
11
Image

Panavia Tornado GR1

1981 - 1999
12
Image

Panavia Tornado GR4

1999 - 2019
13
Image

General Atomics Protector RG (Mk1)

Enter service 2024 -
14
    Research
    Below are links of websites used to research this aircraft.
    1. ⇱
      Royal Air Force
    2. ⇱
      General Atomics
    Have we got it wrong or want to add info?
    Do you want to add more information or correct an error on this page then please use the form to send the information to the 31 Sqn Association.