World's most secretive jet spotted over Area 51

Daily Mail ^ | Published: 15:43 EDT, 20 August 2025 | Updated: 16:35 EDT, 20 August 2025 | By STACY LIBERATORE, US SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

[Ezekiel]

The US Air Force's top-secret RAT55 jet was spotted soaring over Area 51 in Nevada, confirming rumors that this enigmatic radar plane operates from the clandestine Groom Lake facility.

>>>

Minutes after landing, the RAT55 was linked to Hangar 18, Area 51's largest and most mysterious hangar, as its massive sliding doors were seen open, suggesting the jet had taxied inside.

The RAT55, distinguished by its 'fat nose,' 'hump on the top,' 'hump on the belly,' and 'big protrusion in the back,' is a specialized aircraft designed for in-flight radar cross-section testing.

>>>

RAT55, short for Radar Airborne Testbed, with '55' taken from its tail number, rarely leaves the skies over the sprawling, isolated test ranges of South-Central California and Southern Nevada, where it quietly carries out its secretive missions.

The jet’s taxiing to Hangar 18 is particularly tantalizing due to its conspiracy lore as the name’s association with alien encounters, secret projects and black-budget aircraft instantly sparks curiosity.

>>>

[C210N]

That’s the aircraft that has been seen with DEW in the nose

[Larry Lucido]

this enigmatic radar plane

[BenLurkin]

[nickcarraway]

[Larry Lucido]

"most secretive jet spotted over Area 51"

You know, for a "secretive jet," they sure are doing a lot of yapping about it.

[Waverunner]

Or is that just a disguise for an alien spaceship?

[fidelis]

Have fun discussing, but don’t forget:

”Loose lips sink ships”

[Karliner]

Saw one of those but matte black flying low and quiet over the Trinity Alps a vouple years ago. At least I can place a probable name to the plane.

If the right one there was barely an engine sound.

[Hot Tabasco]

Well, guess it’s not a secret anymore...

[Ronaldus Magnus III]

I’m not saying it’s aliens, but............

[T.B. Yoits]

It was never a secret. It's T-43 modified to be a Radar Airborne Testbed, hence the term "RAT".

[popdonnelly]

We’re so good at keeping secrets.

[Ezekiel]

”Loose lips sink ships”

It's an airplane so we're good. 👍

[logi_cal869]

OH LOOK:

It’s a bird...IT’S a...

Yup. Back in May.

https://aeronaut.media/news-en/aviation-news-en/en-rat55-made-a-rare-appearance/

More DM BS.

[logi_cal869]

More (2021)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSCkyD_2IRc

[Ezekiel]

That’s great. Thanks much.

“More DM BS.”

It’s the entertainment factor. 🙂

[Alas Babylon!]

The Air Force is the one yapping.M

Here's their press release:

[Semper Vigilantis]

But if corporations don’t leak secrets how will they drive up their stock value? CEOs need food, too. /s

[Brooklyn Attitude]

“The RAT55, distinguished by its ‘fat nose,’ ‘hump on the top,’ ‘hump on the belly,’ and ‘big protrusion in the back”.

Sounds like a guy I knew in Brooklyn.