RC-135U intercepted by an SU-27

[DaveBB]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/12/us-russia-intercepts-us-p_n_7051878.html?cps=gravity_1787_6016237243057848287

An RC-135U was intercepted flying in international waters by an SU-27.  The SU-27 made a couple of aggressive close passes.

Now, here's my question.  Could an F-15 fly in formation with the RC-135 close enough to appear as one radar return?  This was possible back in the 80s.  Not sure if Russian radar has progressed in sensitivity enough to see two targets so close together.

The U.S. sure does have a bad track record with making recon planes/pilots expendable.  It's one thing if you are able to defend yourself.  It's another if you are flying an antiquated 1950s jetliner.

[PR3D4TOR]

Nothing illegal or untoward with intercepting and following another plane in international airspace. US and NATO does it all the time with Russian aircraft.

[DaveBB]

Not the same situation.  This was more akin to the ramming event that happened with the Chinese jet and the P-3 Orion in the early 2000s.



Nice try though.

[PR3D4TOR]

Accidents happen. As I recall the Chinese pilot was killed. Hardly think he committed suicide intentionally. Russian fighter jocks are also known for their, shall we say, loose adherence to procedures.

[DaveBB]

I did not know that you were an expert on Russian military doctrine.  What war college did you attend?

[The Fugitive]

More political BS Why post this crap here?

[PR3D4TOR]

I did not know that you were an expert on Russian military doctrine.  What war college did you attend?

Uncalled for personal attack. Personally I don't think the Chinese pilot tried to kill himself, just show off and botched it. Whatever Russian doctrine states I don't think it includes ramming an armed multimillion Dollar jet into an unarmed recce plane. And if it does I don't think so poorly of Russian pilots that they would miss if they tried.

[PR3D4TOR]

[branch37]

My Grandfather flew as a navigator on an RC-135 for roughly 10 years.  They are not quite as vulnerable as you think.  The electronic warfare and jamming equipment he carried in the 80s was mind boggling then.  I can't imagine what it is now.  Of course all the electronic equipment wont help much if he's in gun range. 

[DaveBB]

I would like for Earl to weigh in on this situation. Of course he told about his RB-50 being intercepted by a Mig-17.  Two F-86s came to the rescue though.

I'm sorry I hurt your feelings Predator.  My deepest apologies.

[Widewing]

Back in the 70s, we were intercepted by Cuban MiG-21s a few times while transiting from CONUS to GTMO. No big deal. One time they were unusually aggressive, and a a pair of VC-10 F8E Crusaders sent them skedaddling home....

We were intercepted by Turk Phantoms while flying from Crete to Turkey. Again, just lots of waving back and forth. In this case, the Greeks never forwarded our flight plan...

[ghi]

This was in news last week;  
"Why IS the US military moving back into 'Stargate' base deep under the Rocky Mountains a decade after it was abandoned?"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3031041/Why-military-moving-Stargate-base-deep-Rocky-Mountains-decade-abandoned.html

[PR3D4TOR]

"The shift to the Cheyenne Mountain base in Colorado is designed to safeguard the command's sensitive sensors and servers from a potential electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack, military officers said."

Seems pretty clear to me.

[Puma44]

Accidents happen. As I recall the Chinese pilot was killed. Hardly think he committed suicide intentionally. Russian fighter jocks are also known for their, shall we say, loose adherence to procedures.

The Chinese pilot was being way too aggressive and flying on the edge of controlled flight very close to the P-3 and its associated wake turbulence.  The Chinese pilot most likely stalled/lost control of his jet and was unable to recover from the surprise situation he put himself into.

http://youtu.be/CUp_jX17ZIE

[PR3D4TOR]

Amazing how many posters on the youtube page blame America for the accident/incident. Whenever I read youtube comments I'm reminded why I should never do so again. Kinda like when I'm drinking.