The Devonport-based survey ship has a large flight deck, with no hangar but, she cannot take helicopters with her – unlike her predecessor HMS Endurance, which carried two Lynx.
The two small Sky Mantis Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles from Surrey firm Evolve have been given the same numbers as the (long-retired) Lynxes 434 and 435.
The drones can operate in sub-zero temperatures for up to an hour at a time, sending high-definition video (including 30x zoom and infrared imaging) back to their operators – all members of Protector’s 48-strong ship’s company.
The ship also plans to use the drones to provide ‘overwatch’ – providing additional safety for sailors as they carry out fishery boarding operations on behalf of the Foreign Office and Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources or looking out for teams put ashore by scouring the area for dangerous animals.
And there’s also the potential for using the drones in the aftermath of a disaster, to gather information about the area affected and allow the sailors and Royal Marines to determine where or who to help first.
“This is an amazing piece of kit to be working with,” said Protector’s First Lieutenant and senior drone operator Lieutenant Commander Robbie Nash.
Visit here to find out more