YBC02, the second prototype SkyGuardian air vehicle for non-US markets
A sovereign upgrade capability for the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) new Protector unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a vital part of the project to renew the service’s fleet of unmanned systems.
The UK’s Protectors will be the first operational UAVs with a SATCOM-linked automatic take-off and landing system, technology which will be tested early next year after YBC02, the second prototype SkyGuardian air vehicle for non-UK markets makes its maiden flight.
Speaking exclusively to Jane’s , Dave Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc’s (GA-ASI’s) Aircraft Systems Group, said the provision of a design authority capability would mean the RAF has greater autonomy to modify the Protector, as is the case with its existing General Atomics MQ-9 Reapers.
“With minor exceptions, after full certification the UK will have design authority for its Protectors,” he said.
Alexander revealed that the United Kingdom’s Protectors will be the first operational UAVs to be fitted with a satellite communications (SATCOM)-linked automatic take-off and landing system that will transform the operational flexibility of the United Kingdom’s UAV fleet.
Source: Jane’s 360