The British army will soon receive drones with a flight duration of up to 40 hours. Yesterday, July 22, the portal ukdefencejournal.org.uk he reported that the UK Ministry of Defense has ordered 13 more Protector drones.
The new contract worth £195 million complements last year, when the first three drones were ordered. Thus, the total number of Protector drones of the British army will reach 16 units. The UK Ministry of Defense plans to increase their number to 26 units.
Drone Protector
Image source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian, aka Protector, is a new version of the MQ-9 Reaper developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. From the basic version of the MQ-9 Reaper, the Protector model differs in the ability to work in civil airspace, a reinforced structure, an elongated wing, as well as increased protection from external damage (collision with birds, lightning strikes). In addition, the new drones have an increased flight time (from 27 to 40 hours) and are equipped with nine points for suspending weapons (MBDA Brimstone 2 missiles and Raytheon Paveway IV bombs).
