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Old 30th Nov 2011, 15:18
  #67 (permalink)  
TEEEJ
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
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SAMXXV wrote

... see the CIA TR1 (overflying Iran) Elint today.
A bit behind the times there, Sam. The TR-1 designation went nearly 20 years ago.

The last U-2 and TR-1 aircraft were delivered to the Air Force in October 1989. In 1992 all TR-1s and U-2s were redesignated U-2R.
From

SENIOR YEAR U-2 / TR-1

The military operated U-2Rs underwent an upgrade including a new engine. After upgrading with the F-118-101 engine, the former U-2Rs were designated the U-2S.

As to 'CIA operated U-2s' over Iran. The USAF operate the U-2S and NASA operate the ER-2s. The U-2 is a highly vulnerable platform for a direct overflight. It certainly wouldn't be overflying Iran. Peripheral collection using slant sensors from International or friendly airspace is what would be taking place. If anything was assigned to operate over Iran in an intelligence collection role it certainly wouldn't be a manned platform.

The Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel has for example been photographed operating from Afghan bases.

New Photos of USAF RQ-170 Sentinel released | Defence Aviation

UAVs Dominate Surveillance And Targeting | AVIATION WEEK

Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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