UK Military Aviation Authority Grants Type Certification to Protector RG Mk1

Milestone for Uncrewed Aerial Systems

On May 8, 2025, San Diego witnessed a pivotal advancement in the realm of unmanned systems, as the UK’s Military Aviation Authority awarded a Military Type Certificate (MTC) to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1, globally recognized as the MQ-9B. This certification signifies that the aircraft has successfully navigated an extensive airworthiness evaluation, positioning it as fit for operation across unrestricted geographic areas, including densely populated regions. The certification, finalized on April 29, marks a historic achievement for the UK and the unmanned aviation sector, as it is the first of its kind for large unmanned aircraft systems compliant with NATO’s airworthiness criteria.

An Ambitious Journey

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) embarked on a demanding journey to secure the MTC for the MQ-9B, a development effort that began in January 2014. The new model is rooted in the established performance of the MQ-9A platform, with substantial enhancements tailored to meet the stringent STANAG 4671 Edition 2 airworthiness requirements set forth by NATO. Key design features include:

• Structural Enhancements: The aircraft integrates advanced lightning protection, fire resilience, anti-icing systems, and a building block design that withstands fatigue and damage.
• Stringent Software Protocols: All flight-critical software conforms to the rigorous DO-178C/254 standards, ensuring high safety margins.
• Mission Software Isolation: Clear demarcation between mission and flight-critical software enhances both reliability and operational adaptability, setting the MQ-9B apart from other unmanned systems.

Investment and Innovation

Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI, emphasized the considerable investment involved, stating, "Securing the MTC for the MQ-9B represents a monumental effort, requiring over $500 million and an 11-year commitment to creating a robust unmanned aircraft that meets NATO’s exacting airworthiness standards."

Throughout the development process, GA-ASI undertook:

• Flight Testing: Implementation of three flight test aircraft.
• Environmental Assessments: Comprehensive testing in accordance with DO-160G and relevant military standards.
• Structural Testing: Full-scale static evaluations to ensure durability under maximum expected loads, including fatigue testing simulating a cumulative 120,000 flight hours.

GA-ASI’s extensive documentation—over 140,000 pages—validated that the MQ-9B complies with international standards, demonstrating the dedication of the engineering team.

Continuing Deliveries and Global Reach

The Royal Air Force is actively receiving its new Protector aircraft, already having acquired 10 of the 16 units ordered, stationed at RAF Waddington. The significance of this certification extends beyond the UK, as many countries have positioned orders with GA-ASI, including Belgium, Canada, Poland, Japan (both the Coast Guard and Maritime Self-Defense Force), Taiwan, and India, along with the U.S. Air Force for various operations with the Special Operations Command.

Strategic Implications

Gp. Capt. Neil Venables, Type Airworthiness Authority, remarked on the achievement’s implications: "The attainment of the first-in-class MTC underscores years of arduous work and determination. It is an honor to be the first to receive an MTC for the Protector Air System." The MQ-9B, recognized as the most technologically advanced medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS, encompasses several variants, including SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian®, complementing the UK’s strategic aerial capabilities.

With increasing global attention on the operational roles of uncrewed systems, the MQ-9B is expected to play a pivotal role not only in NATO operations but also across various multinational military exercises, including those conducted by the U.S. Navy and allied forces.

Conclusion

The successful issuance of the Military Type Certificate to the MQ-9B signals a new chapter for military aviation, particularly in the domain of unmanned systems. This milestone not only enhances the operational capabilities of the Royal Air Force but also positions the UK and its partners at the forefront of unmanned aviation technology, setting a benchmark for future developments in this rapidly evolving field.