U.K. Flies Protector Drone Outside Main Operating Base for First Time

The U.K. Royal Air Force's new Protector drone has completed its first flight away from its main operating base, landing at RAF Marham after a coordinated flight through U.K. airspace from RAF Waddington.

This marks a milestone in the remotely piloted air system’s (RPAS) ongoing test and evaluation programme. It is the first time Protector, the RAF’s next-generation uncrewed aerial vehicle, has operated beyond Waddington.

“We are now able to receive, refuel and rearm Protector whenever required, away from its home base,” said Wing Commander Williamson, Officer Commanding Operations Wing at RAF Marham.

The test was conducted in coordination with the National Air Traffic Service (NATS), Swanwick Military Air Traffic Control and the Civil Aviation Authority, showcasing the aircraft’s ability to operate safely in controlled airspace and divert to alternative locations.

The flight involved personnel from 56 Squadron, the ISTAR Air Wing, and RAF Marham Operations Wing. Engineers from 31 Squadron, the RAF’s first operational Protector unit, were deployed to RAF Marham to support the aircraft’s arrival and eventual departure.

Protector is designed to replace the RAF’s Reaper fleet from later this year. The drone provides long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and precision strike capabilities, capable of operating at altitudes of up to 40,000 feet for more than 30 hours. It is controlled remotely from RAF Waddington, which also houses the U.K.’s Protector Training Facility. The platform also forms part of the NATO Flight Training Europe programme.

Further flight testing of Protector is scheduled to continue throughout the summer.