Protector RG Mk1

Reconnaissance & Strike Drones

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Basic Information

Name

Protector RG Mk1

Designation

Protector RG Mk1

Alternate Designation

MQ-9B Protector

Equipment Type

Reconnaissance & Strike Drones

Manufacturer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Date of Introduction

2025

Description

The Protector is an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) system developed by General Atomics Aeronautics Systems Inc (GA-ASI) based upon the US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper. Compared with the Reaper, the Protector will feature extended range and endurance, advanced data-link and imagery technology, greater weapons load, and automated take off and landing. Besides, the new aircraft will be resilient against ice, fire and lightning. The United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defense (MoD) awarded GA-ASI a £100 million pound contract for the Protector development in December 2016. The new aircraft will be armed with Brimstone 2 and Paveway IV bombs. The Protector is expected to enter service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 2021. The first procurement contract for three aircraft was signed on July 15, 2020. A second batch of 13 aircraft was ordered in July 2021.

Overview (Deagel)

Group Reconnaissance & Strike Drones

Status Active

Also Known As MQ-9B Protector

Origin United States of America

Contractor General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

Initial Operational Capability (IOC) May 2025

First Flight September 9, 2021

Total Production 16

Specifications (Deagel)

Crew 0

Number of Engines 1

Gear (Deagel)

Item 1 Anti-Tank Guided Missiles: Brimstone 2

Item 2 Bombs: Paveway IV

Variants

Variant 1 RQ-1B Predator

Variant 2 Altair

Variant 3 MQ-1 Predator

Variant 4 Mariner

Variant 5 MQ-9A Reaper

Variant 6 MQ-1B Predator Block X

Variant 7 Predator C Avenger

Variant 8 Sea Avenger

Variant 9 Reaper ER

Variant 10 MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Variant 11 Avenger ER

Variant 12 Protector RG Mk1

Details

Country of Origin United States

Category UAVs

Air > UAVs

Sources

deagel.com: https://www.deagel.com/x/x/a000517

Classification

Domain

Air & Air Defense

Equipment Status

Active

Operators (1)

United Kingdom

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