Posted on 05/31/2006 4:19:10 AM PDT by Flavius
TEHRAN, May 30 (RIA Novosti) - A pilotless Iranian reconnaissance plane circled for 25 minutes over a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf before returning safely to its base, a senior Iranian official said Tuesday.
"Our pilotless reconnaissance plane flew over the USS Ronald Reagan in the Persian Gulf unnoticed to the Americans for 25 minutes," the official said, according to Iran's Fars agency.
He did not say when the flight took place, but added that U.S. radars picked up the unmanned aerial vehicle after 25 minutes, and that four USAF fighters and two helicopters were scrambled to intercept it. However, the Iranian plane had already crossed the border back into Iran and landed at its base.
"This points to holes in the U.S. military reconnaissance systems deployed in the Persian Gulf," the Iranian official said.
I agree that we do seem to "need" same. However, it is entirely feasible to fly a drone over a ship at sea without - in a variety of ways. Radio beacon, trailing a ship(s), or even being hand-launched from one, et cetera. Never assume technology is limited to what we have done with it (or how). Especially in the hands of tyros.
"The American Navy seaman will be committing suicide in their bunks!"
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