To replace the MQ-9 Reaper fleet, the Royal Air Force (RAF) has begun training the crew of the newest MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) MQ-9B Protector RG1 combat drone (UCAV) made by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) ).
Quoted from ga.com (4/5/2023), the first group of RAF drone 'mancers' consisting of sensor operators (SO) and mission intelligence co-ordinators (MIC) have started training at the Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
The scope of the training focuses on the basic skills required to operate the Protector drone and its equipment, including the multispectral targeting system (MTS), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), mission intelligence station (MIS) and System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE).
The training involves building a solid foundation for normal and emergency operations in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, instrument flying, and automatic take-off and landing capability (ATLC).
In terms of appearance, the MQ-9B Protector RG1, with a length of 11.6 meters, a wingspan of 24.4 meters and a height of 4.2 meters, is identical to other combat drones that are also produced by GA-ASI. As the latest version of the MQ-9 Reaper drone family. Some of the characteristics of the MQ-9B Protector RG1 include:
1. Capacity and reach
The MQ-9B Protector RG1 has the capability to fly for more than 40 hours non-stop with a range of up to 6,000 nm (11,000 km). This allows Protectors to explore vast areas and monitor activity in distant areas.
This flight capability is supported by the Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine which has a thrust of around 900 hp and is capable of launching the MQ-9B Protector RG1 with a maximum speed of around 390 km per hour.
2. Sophisticated sensors and Huge Payload
The MQ-9B Protector RG1 is equipped with various types of advanced sensors, including optical and electro-optical sensors, radar, and electromagnetic sensing systems. These sensors allow the aircraft to gather intelligence, surveillance, and monitoring from the air with high precision.
The MQ-9B Protector RG1 has a large enough payload capacity and can carry a variety of sensors and weapons. Specifically, the MQ-9B Protector RG1 can carry up to 2,721 kg of payload. While the maximum weight at takeoff is 5,669 kg.
3. Types of Weapons
The MQ-9B Protector RG1 has the capability to carry weapons such as Hellfire missiles, precision bombs and other weapons. Types of precision bombs such as GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), and GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II.
4. Multispectrum operation
The MQ-9B Protector RG1 can be operated in various weather conditions and at any time of day or night. This makes the aircraft usable for reconnaissance and monitoring missions in a variety of environmental conditions.
5. Automation system
The MQ-9B Protector RG1 is equipped with advanced automation systems, including sensing and data processing technologies that can enhance the aircraft's ability to gather and analyze information. This technology also allows the aircraft to operate independently and can be controlled remotely.
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