Latest news with #MQ-9AReaper
Sustainability Times
24-06-2025
- Sustainability Times
'Britain Just Sent This Beast Into the Sky': UK Unleashes First Combat Drone With 5,750-Mile Strike Range
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 The Royal Air Force has introduced the Protector RG Mk1 drone , marking a new era in unmanned combat aviation. , marking a new era in unmanned combat aviation. 🌐 Designed by General Atomics, the drone offers persistent ISTAR and precision strike capabilities with a reach of over 5,750 miles. and precision strike capabilities with a reach of over 5,750 miles. 📡 Equipped with advanced systems, it can safely operate within civilian airspace and is compliant with NATO and UK standards. and is compliant with NATO and UK standards. 🎯 The Protector program includes a dedicated training facility, ensuring that RAF personnel maximize the drone's operational potential. The integration of cutting-edge technology in military operations has always been a game-changer, and the United Kingdom's latest advancement is no exception. The Royal Air Force (RAF) has officially introduced the Protector RG Mk1 drone into its service, marking a pivotal moment in British defense aviation. This new addition ushers in a fresh era of unmanned combat aviation, effectively replacing the older MQ-9A Reaper platform. With its remarkable capabilities, the Protector RG Mk1 is set to redefine the boundaries of modern warfare, offering unprecedented endurance and precision in military operations. The Revolutionary 5,750-Mile Drone The Protector RG Mk1, designed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), represents a substantial leap forward in unmanned aerial technology. This drone is not just a replacement for the previous MQ-9A Reaper; it's a multi-domain solution that provides persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and precision strike capabilities. The Protector can operate continuously for over 30 hours, reaching altitudes of up to 40,000 feet, and covering ranges exceeding 5,000 nautical miles (approximately 5,750 miles), depending on its configuration. This advanced system can carry significant payloads, including 500-pound Paveway IV laser-guided bombs and Brimstone 3 missiles, enhancing its combat effectiveness. The successful test flight from RAF Waddington to RAF Marham demonstrated its integration with UK civil aviation standards, marking a historic achievement for the RAF. As Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff, noted, the Protector's entry into service ensures that the RAF remains at the forefront of uncrewed airpower, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the teams and industry partners involved. 'Earth's Core Is Acting Up': NASA Links Planet-Wide Disturbance to Mysterious Energy Surge Emerging From Deep Within the Mantle First-Time Service: A New Era The Protector RG Mk1 is equipped with a 79-foot wingspan and incorporates several key subsystems, including GA-ASI's Lynx Multi-mode Radar, an electro-optical/infrared sensor suite, SATCOM control, and automated takeoff and landing capabilities. These features enable the drone to operate safely within civilian airspace, a critical differentiator from legacy RPAS platforms. The platform complies with NATO STANAG 4671 and UK DEFSTAN 00-970 standards, allowing it to operate within regulated civil environments across the US and European airspace. Designed for versatility, the system can be deployed for various missions, primarily focused on intelligence gathering, threat monitoring, and target identification. Its ability to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations allows for rapid responses during emergencies. Furthermore, the Protector RG Mk1 is effective for Maritime Patrol, covering both Anti-Submarine and Anti-Surface Warfare, which is crucial for safeguarding maritime security. The drone's Airborne Early Warning and Defensive Counter Air operations capabilities are essential for maintaining air superiority and protecting ground forces, making the RAF the first military force globally to integrate the MQ-9B into full-spectrum service. 'Zuckerberg Wants a Godlike AI': Meta's Race Toward Superintelligence Could Redefine Humanity's Future and Trigger a Tech Power Shift Training and Deployment The UK Protector program is not just about deploying cutting-edge technology; it also involves the establishment of a dedicated training facility at RAF Waddington. This facility houses the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) elements and simulators managed by 54 Squadron. The first air vehicle was delivered in September 2023, and currently, four aircraft are based in the UK, with six additional units undergoing test and evaluation in the United States. The full operational capability is slated for later in 2025, with all ten air vehicles expected to be operational by that time. The training facility underscores the RAF's commitment to ensuring that its personnel are adequately prepared to operate and maintain these advanced systems. This investment in training is essential to fully realize the potential of the Protector RG Mk1 and sustain its operational readiness. By integrating advanced training protocols, the RAF is ensuring that its personnel are equipped with the necessary skills to maximize the capabilities of this revolutionary drone. 'An Entire Ocean Lies Beneath Us': Scientists Reveal Massive Hidden Sea Deep Below Earth's Crust That Changes Everything Global Implications and Future Prospects The introduction of the Protector RG Mk1 into the RAF's arsenal has significant global implications. As the first military force to adopt the MQ-9B for full-spectrum service, the UK is setting a precedent for other nations to follow. This development highlights the increasing importance of unmanned aerial systems in modern military operations and underscores the need for continued investment in cutting-edge technology. Looking ahead, the Protector RG Mk1 could pave the way for further advancements in unmanned aerial combat, potentially leading to new innovations and capabilities. As nations around the world continue to explore the possibilities of unmanned systems, the RAF's experience with the Protector RG Mk1 will serve as a valuable case study. How will this new era of unmanned combat aviation influence the future of military operations worldwide? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)
Associated Press
04-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
GA-ASI Welcomes USAF Designation for New CCA: YFQ-42A
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / March 3, 2025 / General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) welcomes the U.S. Air Force's designation for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft: the new uncrewed jet fighter will be called the YFQ-42A. The announcement on Monday followed an earlier USAF decision in 2024 that GA-ASI was selected to develop and build the YFQ-42A. 'We're proud to get a new official aircraft designation,' said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. 'YFQ-42A continues a long and distinguished history for GA-ASI that dates back to the 1990s and the debut of the RQ-1 Predator®, which later changed to MQ-1 Predator. That uncrewed aircraft gave way to the MQ-9A Reaper®, the MQ-20 Avenger®, our new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian®, and many others. 'These aircraft represent an unrivaled history of capable, dependable uncrewed platforms that meet the needs of America's warfighters and point the way to a significant new era for airpower.' The Air Force selected YFQ-42A as the Mission Design Series (MDS) for GA-ASI's CCA prototype, representing the first in a new generation of unmanned fighter aircraft. YFQ-42A will be critical in securing air dominance for the Joint Force in future conflicts, leveraging autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments. The Air Force is developing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms to maintain its air superiority. Semi-autonomous aircraft, like YFQ-42A, will enhance flexibility, affordability, and mission effectiveness. YFQ-42A will enhance air superiority as a flexible, affordable force multiplier. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with current and next-generation crewed aircraft, expanding mission capabilities and ensuring continued air dominance. In short, YFQ-42A provides fighter capacity - affordable mass - at a lower cost and on a threat-relevant timeline. The YFQ-42A designation follows the Air Force's decision to designate GA-ASI's highly common predecessor aircraft as the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station. The XQ-67A was ordered by the Air Force Research Lab to support the development of concepts necessary to implement the vision for CCA. In the Air Force system, an 'X' plane is designed for testing and experimentation, while 'Y' describes initial production-representative aircraft, usually ahead of a formal program. 'F' is for fighter and 'Q' designates an uncrewed aircraft. Once the production-representative aircraft moves into production, the 'Y' will drop from the prefix. GA-ASI will have a one-sixth scale model of the YFQ-42A on display during the Air Warfare Symposium March 3-5, 2025, in booth #1003. About GA-ASI General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GA-ASI Welcomes USAF Designation for New CCA: YFQ-42A
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA / / March 3, 2025 / General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) welcomes the U.S. Air Force's designation for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft: the new uncrewed jet fighter will be called the YFQ-42A. The announcement on Monday followed an earlier USAF decision in 2024 that GA-ASI was selected to develop and build the YFQ-42A. "We're proud to get a new official aircraft designation," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "YFQ-42A continues a long and distinguished history for GA-ASI that dates back to the 1990s and the debut of the RQ-1 Predator®, which later changed to MQ-1 Predator. That uncrewed aircraft gave way to the MQ-9A Reaper®, the MQ-20 Avenger®, our new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian®, and many others. "These aircraft represent an unrivaled history of capable, dependable uncrewed platforms that meet the needs of America's warfighters and point the way to a significant new era for airpower." The Air Force selected YFQ-42A as the Mission Design Series (MDS) for GA-ASI's CCA prototype, representing the first in a new generation of unmanned fighter aircraft. YFQ-42A will be critical in securing air dominance for the Joint Force in future conflicts, leveraging autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments. The Air Force is developing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms to maintain its air superiority. Semi-autonomous aircraft, like YFQ-42A, will enhance flexibility, affordability, and mission effectiveness. YFQ-42A will enhance air superiority as a flexible, affordable force multiplier. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with current and next-generation crewed aircraft, expanding mission capabilities and ensuring continued air dominance. In short, YFQ-42A provides fighter capacity - affordable mass - at a lower cost and on a threat-relevant timeline. The YFQ-42A designation follows the Air Force's decision to designate GA-ASI's highly common predecessor aircraft as the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station. The XQ-67A was ordered by the Air Force Research Lab to support the development of concepts necessary to implement the vision for CCA. In the Air Force system, an "X" plane is designed for testing and experimentation, while "Y" describes initial production-representative aircraft, usually ahead of a formal program. "F" is for fighter and "Q" designates an uncrewed aircraft. Once the production-representative aircraft moves into production, the "Y" will drop from the prefix. GA-ASI will have a one-sixth scale model of the YFQ-42A on display during the Air Warfare Symposium March 3-5, 2025, in booth #1003. About GA-ASI General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable RPA systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than eight million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent situational awareness. The company also produces a variety of sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit Avenger, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries. Contact Information GA-ASI Media Relations asi-mediarelations@ SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
