Sky Guardian to Waddo

[reaper493]

This summer personnel at RAF Waddington will receive a glimpse of the future when a SkyGuardian aircraft, a pre-production example of the new Protector Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), will operate from the Lincolnshire station.

The UK has ordered the first three Protector RG Mk 1 systems (three aircraft, three ground control stations and supporting equipment) as the first phase of the acquisition, with the additional 13 aircraft, four ground control stations and support equipment expected this year.

Operating in the UK will assist in the development of the revolutionary Detect and Avoid technology which will permit Protector to fly in all UK airspace safely. It will also allow the RAF to refine the requirements needed to fully integrate Protector operations into Waddington where the RPAS will operate alongside the based fixed wing aircraft.

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/ne ... is-summer/

[Bobby Jo]

Looks like we might have something different to watch over the summer

Link take from the RAF sight

https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/articles/ne ... 1qLeQKwTgg

[FlyingFairy]

Mike has already posted about this in The Mess a couple of days ago, see here viewtopic.php?f=287&t=200431

[baz1]

must keep an eye out for some USA transports turning up at some point!?

[reaper493]

They've already got the equipment at Waddo to fly drones, just depends if they need specific kit to operate this one.

They may end up flying it in, as per RIAT 2019 that seem's so long ago.

Either way, I think it may be hush hush for it's arrival to prevent protestors, although I'm sure they will show their faces at some point.

Mike

[baz1]

it ought to Buzz the wretched protesters.

[Yammer]

a land with no protesters resembles North Korea.

No problems with peaceful protesters in our democracy.

[Fighterfoto]

They've already got the equipment at Waddo to fly drones, just depends if they need specific kit to operate this one.

Protector (MQ-9B) has a different Ground Control System to Reaper (MQ-9A) so yes, they'll bring specific kit over to operate this one.

[baz1]

a land with no protesters resembles North Korea.

No problems with peaceful protesters in our democracy.

and just look what happens with large groups of protesters we are paying the price for some of them brainless idiots

[Yammer]

"and just look what happens with large groups of protesters we are paying the price for some of them brainless idiots""

is it possible for some people to have a different view point to you.

Planes please.

[baz1]

"and just look what happens with large groups of protesters we are paying the price for some of them brainless idiots""

is it possible for some people to have a different view point to you.

Planes please.

yes it certainly is but not when it puts other peoples lives at risk, IE Anti lockdown/ Masks/ Anti-Vaxxers protesting in large groups like Piers Corbin and his cronnies

[Bluetail]

Lossiemouth has also been mentioned as an operating location as well.

[Yammer]

""yes it certainly is but not when it puts other peoples lives at risk, IE Anti lockdown/ Masks/ Anti-Vaxxers protesting in large groups like Piers Corbin and his cronnies""

A short thead about a drone and we get to this.

Breath deep.

Planes please.

[jakdaw]

Just digging up an old thread, am guessing early reports of some trial operations from Waddington in July arent happening. There seems to be no news, rumours, notams or cargo aircraft in from America. Anyone know anymore or if I have missed something?

[reaper493]

Not heard a thing, I spoke to a contact recently who believed it was still planned, but looks like the original date has well and truly slipped.

[reaper493]

Now due August, won't be at Waddo for as long as originally planned.
No idea on arrival date.

[jakdaw]

Thanks for the quick response had assumed some slippage. Am looking forward to seeing and hearing how this trial goes.

[Finty]

"and just look what happens with large groups of protesters we are paying the price for some of them brainless idiots""

is it possible for some people to have a different view point to you.

Planes please.

Or rather, drones…

[Ghost from above]

I expect there will be some delay to these if they operate from here.Planning for the new building included provision for the Wedgetail. A purely drone hangar will be a much smaller affair and will have to go through the legislative hurdles again.

[Stroudy]

Or rather, U.A.Vs (or U.A.S), depends if the media term or the official term is being used i guess...

UAV/UAS/DroneControl.co.uk?

"and just look what happens with large groups of protesters we are paying the price for some of them brainless idiots""

is it possible for some people to have a different view point to you.

Planes please.

Or rather, drones…