The second Protector has started ground trials at the Lincolnshire base. A first flight is expected in August 2024, said a July 22, 2024 GA-ASI statement.
Chris Dusseault, GA-ASI’s vice president of MQ-9B in Europe, said: “We’re thrilled to see a second Protector operating at RAF Waddington. The Royal Air Force is a great partner for GA-ASI, and we look forward to additional MQ-9B aircraft operating in the UK and more broadly across Europe.”
Simon Holford, Uncrewed Air Systems Delivery Team Leader at UK Defence Equipment and Support, said: “Seeing delivery and assembly of the second Protector aircraft in the UK is yet another measure of the significant progress on this project and testament to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Holford added: “Together with the three aircraft we have already taken delivery of in the US (which remain in the US for use in trials and/or training), we have now taken delivery of five of the 16 aircraft we have ordered.”
Officer Commanding 31 Squadron, Wing Commander Maccoll said: “I’m delighted to see another RAF Protector assembled at RAF Waddington, thanks to the hard work of our programme team, Defence partners, contractors, and the skill of 31 Squadron personnel. This summer, Protector will un…
