Cobham and CA-ASI team on Protector RPA support

Courtesy Cobham

First delivery of the GA-ASI-developed RPA to the Royal Air Force (RAF) is expected in the early 2020s.

Cobham has been providing technical and maintenance support for the RAF Reaper Ground Control Stations at RAF Waddington since 2015 and were involved in the historic trans-Atlantic flight of GA-ASI’s SkyGuardian, which landed at RAF Fairford in July 2018. Protector RG Mk1 is based on SkyGuardian.

“Working with Cobham, we’ve established an excellent support network for the RAF and the Protector RPA,” said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. “We’ve teamed with Cobham to support a number of customers over the years, and we’re excited to continue to work together to develop this long-term through-life sustainment solution for the Protector programme. With the RAF Reapers on continued deployed operations we want to ensure a robust and seamless transition from Reaper to Protector.”

The support services include developing maintenance strategies that provide lower cost sustainment over the life cycle of the product and providing distribution and other logistical support. GA-ASI and Cobham Aviation Services have had a long lasting relationship and are well-suited to provide a world-class sustainment programme to the UK Protector programme.

Cobham Aviation Services Senior Vice President Paul Armstrong said: “Cobham is proud to be extending its commitment to both General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and to the RAF to provide long-term UK support to the Protector programme.”

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar.. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas.

Cobham offers an innovative range of technologies and services to solve challenging problems in commercial, defence and security markets, from deep space to the depths of the ocean.

Cobham Aviation Services UK combines state-of-the-art technology with complex air platforms to deliver customised Operational Readiness Training, Search and Rescue Services, Helicopter Training and Aircraft Engineering and Maintenance.