Aviators from 31 Squadron have commenced their Protector RG Mk 1 Technician training at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Desert Horizons facility in California, USA.
According to this RAF news release, this is the second Protector Technician course for 31 Squadron personnel.
“It is run over 14-weeks and comprises academic and practical activity, taking Mechanical, Avionics and Weapons NCO technicians into a single technician trade. This ensures they can maintain the innovative Protector RG Mk 1 Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS). On completion of their training, they’ll become a vital part of Protector UK testing and evaluation, as part of the growing 31 Squadron – the first Protector squadron.”
Squadron Leader Douglas, Senior Engineering Officer, 31 Squadron, was quoted as saying:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the team to develop through training with our partners in General Atomics. These cross-skilled technicians are at the spearhead of technical professions in the RAF. They will be integral to the introduction of a game changing RPAS capability to UK Defence.”
Equipped with a suite of advanced equipment and precision strike weapons, Protector will provide critical armed surveillance capability and will be able to deploy against potential adversaries around the globe, say the RAF.
You can read more on this here.
From “Predator” (aggressive) to “Protector” (passive)…… It’s a sign of the times…. 😉
It is a PC name, yes.
The requirement had the name “Scavenger” originally.
Far more apt in my view hardly removed from the Reaper we have currently.
Ahh, the Grim Reaper….. now that’s a Biblical name for sure….AKA Predator 2, complete with a Black Mask and a Scythe….. We live in troubled times, that’s for sure…… Genesis describes the Jews as the chosen People….. Is Rochdale important now ?
It’s important because of Pakistani grooming gangs raping white little girls, over many years, yes. Which due to “racist” fears were downplayed.
THAT is what matters, and how this ridiculous poison is excised from this country, as if you’re guilty you’re guilty, regardless of origin or colour.
Rochdale By Election? Protest vote, safe Labour seat I’d guess and I’m ignoring the noise in the stupid media.
Ahh…. I see your true colours emerging now…… I, like so many “Millions” ( Georges Quote) share the same view/concerns….. time to rid this once great country of all these Elites…… time to Get a Feckin Grip……
You know my views Captain. We have talked of this many times. Anyway, defence.
Rochdale better start looking up at the Skies day and night “Protector” nah “Reaper” yes
All I will say about Rochdale is that I cannot believe that prat got voted into another seat.🙄
Funnily enough mate I have never actually looked into what he stands for. There is enough of a circus in politics and media already and I’ve better things to do!
He’s a pro-CCP mouthpiece, a Russian media shill, anti-Israel, pro-islam, cat impurrrsonator. He’s basically a 5th columnist.
Thanks. 😳
Allowing beards was a mistake.
Shaving was a character building form of personal discipline.
The state of them all, they look like modern scruffy police with all the soy beards.
Only the Royal Navy (with Captains permission) and the Pioneer Sergeant in the RPC had beards when I served. What a state!
Back on track though, that aircraft is bloody huge!