UK’s Protector drone gets unprecedented certification

SAN DIEGO - The United Kingdom (TADAWUL:4280)’s Military Aviation Authority has granted a Military Type Certificate (MTC) to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.’s (GA-ASI) Protector RG Mk1, also known as the MQ-9B. Announced on April 29, this certification marks the first time a large remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) has been approved to fly without geographic restrictions, including over densely populated areas.

The MQ-9B, developed by GA-ASI, is a significant advancement in unmanned aircraft systems, having met the stringent NATO standard for airworthiness, STANAG 4671. The aircraft features enhancements such as lightning and fire protection, anti-icing systems, and a design approach that prioritizes fatigue and damage tolerance. To comply with NATO’s requirements, all flight-critical software has been developed to the highest standards, and mission software is strictly separated from flight-critical systems.

GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue described the certification as a "seminal achievement," highlighting the over $500 million investment and 11 years of development to meet NATO’s airworthiness standards. The effort included extensive testing, such as environmental exposure, static airframe tests, bird strike simulations, and full-scale fatigue testing, amounting to a total of 120,000 notional flight hours.

The UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) has begun incorporating the new Protector aircraft into its fleet at RAF Waddington in Northern England, with 10 out of the 16 ordered aircraft already delivered. Group Captain Neil Venables, the Type Airworthiness Authority, expressed pride in being the first to receive an MTC for the Protector Air System, acknowledging the years of effort behind the achievement.

The MQ-9B is recognized as the most advanced medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system in the world, with models including the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian®, as well as the RAF’s Protector. Beyond the UK, GA-ASI has received MQ-9B orders from several other countries, including Belgium, Canada, Poland, and India, as well as from the Japan Coast Guard, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command.

GA-ASI, known for its Predator® line of unmanned aircraft systems, has accumulated over 8 million flight hours across its fleet, serving various military and surveillance roles for over three decades.

This milestone in RPAS certification is based on a press release statement and reflects the UK’s commitment to integrating advanced unmanned systems into its defense capabilities.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.