Public warned as RAF trials new super drones

THE RAF will launch its deadly new armed drones next year – but not before warning the public about their capabilities.

Householders across the country are to be issued with safety leaflets, explaining how to recognise the aircraft, and what to do in the unlikely event that one crashes.

The Ministry of Defence has signed a £100million contract with US firm General Atomics for the Protector drones, which boast weapons including Brimstone missiles and Paveway bombs. As the world’s first certified Remotely Piloted Air System, it will be able to operate in civilian airspace, unlike its predecessors.

This is due to its ground-breaking “detect and avoid” system, which draws on enhanced sensors to avoid other aircraft.

Though trials have already been carried out in the US, sources say special permission has been sought from the Civil Aviation Authority in order for further tests to be carried out over populated areas in Britain. The Air Force will begin taking delivery of the drones in the new year. Preparations are under way at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, to accommodate them in concrete bunkers.

Trials are understood to be planned for the end of next year and will last six months.

Last night, it emerged the Ministry of Defence has ordered warning leaflets to be drawn up and distributed.a source said: “This will be the first time that armed drones have flown over populated areas of the UK.

Although we are convinced that the Protector is a safe aerial platform, drones have occasionally crashed.

“That’s why public safety information leaflets will be issued at a series of meetings.”

The MOD has hailed the new, high-tech Protector drone, which is able to fly for up to 40 hours, as the “game changer”.

A source said: “We are determined to push the boundaries and ensure that our military personnel have the capability to respond robustly to a range of threats.”