Iran Shows Off Downed RQ-170 on State TV

Iran has released video of the unmanned Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel that apparently crash-landed inside Iran. A short video, released by Iranian news agency Nasim Online, shows what appears to be an immobile but undamaged RQ-170.

Though Iranian officials claim to have forced the aircraft down through electronic warfare, anonymous US officials claim a mechanical problem was to blame.

The new Iranian video is by far the most detailed view of the aircraft ever made public. The aircraft appears largely undamaged, though the underside and landing gear are not visible. Details of the aircraft are clearly discernable. The video alone would be a potential bonanza for interested intelligence agencies.

Media reports from US bases in South Korea and Japan describe aircraft operations consistent with the RQ-170. The aircraft is operated by the 30th Reconnaissance Squadron at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.

Sources : BBC / Flight Global

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *