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SAN DIEGO - The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has finalized a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to provide support and maintenance for the Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF). The agreement, known as the UK Protector Availability and Support Solution (UK PASS), ensures ongoing logistics for the Protector RPA, which is based on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian platform.
The UK PASS is a Direct Commercial Sale contract that encompasses the RPA, the Certifiable Ground Control Stations, and the Synthetic Training Systems. As part of GA-ASI’s SkyGuardian Global Support Solutions (SGSS), the contract aims to offer a shared Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) model. This model pools resources such as labor, material, and overhead for maintenance and supply management, which is expected to provide cost efficiencies for participating customers.
Chris Dusseault, Vice President of MQ-9B in Europe, stated that the contract is a critical step in advancing the RAF’s capabilities with the Protector RPA system, transitioning from testing and development to operational training for RAF flight crews.
Group Captain Rich Cameron, Uncrewed Air System 3 Team Leader at the UK MOD, highlighted that the PASS contract is the result of three years of intensive collaboration between GA-ASI and the UK MOD. The agreement is designed to offer a unique sustainment solution for the RAF’s Protector fleet by utilizing a global common spares pool that is shared among multiple customers, a departure from traditional spares and repairs contracts.
GA-ASI’s MQ-9B is touted as the world’s most advanced RPA system, boasting extended endurance and range. The MQ-9B line includes both the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian models, with the UK, Canada, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. being notable customers. The MQ-9B has also played a role in various U.S. Navy exercises.
The information disclosed in this article is based on a press release statement from GA-ASI, the leading manufacturer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, which has accumulated over 8 million flight hours with its Predator line of UAS.
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