RAF buys spy planes to monitor enemies from the sky

[tigershark]

RAF buys spy planes to monitor enemies from the sky
The RAF has bought two spy planes capable of monitoring enemy troops from three miles up.

By Jon Swaine
Last Updated: 8:43AM BST 27 Aug 2008
The Twin Star aircraft, which can fly for 18 hours a time and reach an altitude of 18,000ft, could be equipped with recorders to keep watch on terrorist suspects. Footage could then be beamed via satellite back to troop stations, other planes or offices in Britain.

It is believed that the two new aircraft, which can carry infrared cameras and ground-mapping radar, will be used by 39 Squadron, a unit comprising members from all three armed forces based at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada, US.

The Squadron currently flies unmanned surveillance and bombing missions against the Taliban in Afghanistan by remote control.

The new planes are also expected to take over some spy tasks from RAF Nimrods.

An RAF source told the Sun newspaper: "With the right sensor array, they can see if a suspected terrorist is at home, listen in to and record his mobile calls and tell you if his car engine is hot, warm or cold."

The basic cost of the Canadian-made aircraft is £325,000, but it is believed that the RAF's customised, four-man versions cost £2 million to put together. They are able to fly for such long stretches as their engines, 1.7 litre petrol or turbo-diesel, are light and economical.

The MoD has confirmed that it purchased the two Twin Star planes. The RAF is also believed to be planning to buy unmanned Twin Star drone planes, which can fly for 30 hours continuously.

Source
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/onthefrontline/2630186/RAF-buys-spy-planes-to-monitor-enemies-from-the-sky.html