[gandalftb]

Yesterday, this aircraft was on route from Turkey to Afghanistan and strayed into Iranian airspace.

HU-25 “Guardian” Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft
Manufacturer: Dassault FalconJet,
Wing Span: 54’
Length: 56’
Max Gross Weight: 32,000 lbs
Number of engines: 2
Propulsion Type: Garrett ATF3-6-2C Turbofan

Five military personnel were on board as passengers along with a civilian crew of three. After recognizing the aircraft was over Iranian airspace, the pilot requested clearance to land in Iran and was escorted by Iranian air force fighters, rather than attempting to leave. The aircraft was cleared for release and continued on to Afghanistan after the crew was questioned for several hours.

[nuconvert]

update
ping

[gandalftb]

Our military routinely fly between Turkey and Afghanistan and Turkmenistan over the Caspian Sea . NW Iran lies within that direct flight. Our aircraft normally stay well to the north, flying through Georgian and Azerbaijani air space on well known (by Iranians) corridors.

Apparently a military chartered Guardian found itself sufficiently off course into Iran that it was better to land and explain than to possibly be pursued by Iranian Air Force.

We have previously established a protocal with the Iranians, as we do with many countries we overfly, to land and explain if our aircraft have to deviate from well known flight plans.

[diogenes ghost]

"Five military personel...civilian crew of three...'HU-25 Guardian'.."

Hmmm...a few problems there...if it is HU-25, that is Coast Guard version of Falcon F-20, so eight would be a tight fit, also would NOT have civilian crew....these facts just don't fit together.