View Full Version : Russian TU-214R Heading to Syria
SkyHawk-N
15th Feb 2016, 18:28
Very interesting Russian spy plane heading to Syria on FR24.com at the moment, just over Libya as I type.
Tupolev TU-214R RA-64514, callsign LX9203.
SkyHawk-N
15th Feb 2016, 18:53
Not much information available on the internet for the this type, this basically sums it up.
"The aircraft is configured to carry the MRC-411 multi-intelligence payload, to include electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors, side-looking Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and other Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT). In addition, the aircraft will carry multi-spectral electro-optical systems, providing a true Multi-Int support to Russian military forces.
I wonder if this is the first active deployment of the type, or if it is just a continuation of the trial works that has been going on? Maybe Moscow is just flashing its wares to the West? Timing seems very co-incidental with the build up of Turkish forces on the border.
TEEEJ
16th Feb 2016, 06:40
SkyHawk-N wrote just over Libya as I type.
You mean Iraq on its way into Syria.
http://www.flightradar24.com/2016-02-15/19:37/12x/LX9203/8d35773
Above The Clouds
16th Feb 2016, 08:23
I do believe its a Russian Government comms aircraft, seen it around southern Russia a few times.
http://bastion-karpenko.ru/VVT/Tu-214R_01.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CHzPAZgUAAA4vv8.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CHzQsYjWsAIKchY.png
Above The Clouds
16th Feb 2016, 09:22
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/50/Tupolev_Tu-214R_inflight.jpg
http://rt.com/files/news/31/ba/70/00/tutu-1.jpg
Not sure how resize, so MODs feel free to reduce the size.
An-225
16th Feb 2016, 10:14
As with so much of Russia's arsenal, information is difficult to come by on these types of aircraft - and what little *is* out there is usually in Russian.
That Tu-214R looks like it encompasses elements of the mission roles fulfilled by the RC-135 and E-8 JSTARS.
The Rossiya Tu-214SR pictured above is frequently billed as analogous to the E-4B, but I'm not sure that's correct. The only visible modification is an SHF antenna housing, while the Airborne Command Post role is already handled by a fleet of Il-86VKPs, which, in addition to the SHF antenna, are also fitted with a VLF trailing aerial and inflight refuelling capability.
I would think it more likely to be a C-32A or C-40 equivalent for lower ranking government officials to replace the recently retired Il-62s which were fitted with a similar dorsal spine.
SkyHawk-N
16th Feb 2016, 10:26
You mean Iraq on its way into Syria.
Flightradar24.com - Live flight tracker! (http://www.flightradar24.com/2016-02...LX9203/8d35773)
Yes, sorry, my mistake. I typed quicker than I was thinking. :ok:
It seems the R is a much different aircraft to the SR. It would be hard not to believe that the electronics in it are much more modern and advanced to the older SR. It will be interesting to see how long it stays in the area and see how they are utilizing it.
Backinblack
16th Feb 2016, 18:07
Good job, guys from Flightradar.
TEEEJ
16th Feb 2016, 20:18
SkyHawk-N wrote
Yes, sorry, my mistake. I typed quicker than I was thinking. :ok:
No problem. Thanks for the reply. :ok:
Interestingly the Turks have denied a Russian Open Skies flight over their territory.
The Aviationist » Turkey has denied a Russian Open Skies observation flight over its territory because it was near the Syrian border (http://theaviationist.com/2016/02/10/turkey-has-denied-a-russian-open-skies-observation-flight-over-its-territory-because-it-was-near-the-syrian-border/)