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RAF new Protector testing completed in the USA

Protector aircraft being tested under a foggy environment within a hangar.

Key tests in the development of the RAF's new Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) have been completed in the USA.

A total of 16 Protectors are currently on order for the RAF but before delivery of the first example a series of rigorous tests are being undertaken by the manufacturer GA-ASI and supported by the RAF and United States Air Force.

Protector aircraft being tested in a cold environment within a hangar. Ice forms on its outside.
Environmental testing put the Protector aircraft under extreme cold temperatures.

The successful tests included a Full-Scale Static Strength test which saw all the major structures in the aircraft put under stress.  The full fuselage, wings, tails and landing gear were tested to 150% of the highest operational loads to verify safety and reliability when operated at maximum airspeeds and G-loads. 

Environmental Testing was undertaken at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and included exposing the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System to extreme cold temperature (to -33 degrees Celsius), in-flight ice, supercooled fog, in-flight rain, high humidity, and high temperature. 

Protector aircraft being tested in a cold environment within a hangar. Ice forms on its wing.

Finally High-Intensity Radiated Frequency testing occurred at the Electromagnetic Environmental Effects Test Facility at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Here the Protector was subjected to high-intensity electromagnetic radiation across the full operational electromagnetic spectrum. 

"It’s exciting to see the continued progress of the Protector Programme as we put this new aircraft through rigorous testing."

Group Captain Gee
Director Air ISTAR Programmes

The first Protector is expected to complete its test and evaluation programme in late 2022.  In due course Protector will be stationed at RAF Waddington where initially 31 Squadron, and then 13 Squadron, will operate the type.

You can learn more about Remotely Piloted Aircraft System by listening to InsideAIR 13 episode.

Or read about what it takes to be a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System pilot in the RAF.