RC-135U intercepted by an SU-27

[MrRiplEy[H]]

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.

Even more amazing are people who post strong opinionated posts to news sites commentaries using their facebook accounts lol. It's mind boggling to see people blurt out utter stupidities with their own face shot and name publicly posted.

[zack1234]

Yes its North Koreas fault as well.

And the Redcoats and mel gibson

Think your being played?

[DaveBB]

http://www.6901st.org/history/shootdown.htm

It's a dangerous job flying recon.  Here is a small list of U.S. aircraft shot down.  Most were flying outside of Soviet airspace.  None of these incidents sparked a nuclear war.  An F-22 or F-15 who happened to witness an SU-27 "crash from unknown causes" would not spark a war either.

[PR3D4TOR]

It's called international airspace for a reason Dave. Splashing a SU27 is not something anyone will get away with. If the pilot doesn't get a message off to home his wingman is sure to. They don't fly alone more than we do.

[DaveBB]

That Su-27 was alone.  Pilot could have simply "blacked out" and crashed into the sea.  Russia can't afford a war right now.  Dropping oil prices and international embargos have their economy in shambles.

I value American lives far more than that of other nations.  That is the basis of my argument.

[fbEagle]

I value American lives far more than that of other nations.  That is the basis of my argument.

   

In.

[PR3D4TOR]

That Su-27 was alone.

You say that as if you were there. If the RC-135 crew only saw one SU, it does not mean he didn't have friends nearby. I don't know of any nation that sends up single planes to do interceptions.

I value American lives far more than that of other nations.  That is the basis of my argument.

Then shooting at people who have guns, missiles and nukes is not the way to go.

[BoilerDown]

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.

GW Bush's first international incident as President. Everyone forgot about it because of 9-11 of course.  Didn't the P-3 Orion have to stray into Chinese waters to land afterward?  I guess I should just google it.

[Toad]

I don't know of any nation that sends up single planes to do interceptions.

The Russkies sent single interceptors up all the time in the late 70s. I don't know what they're doing now though.

[PR3D4TOR]

Ok, never heard of it. For example when they shot down KAL 007 they scrambled four fighters to intercept it.

[Ack-Ack]

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.

From comments of a former USAF pilot (Toad) that used to fly those missions back in the height of the cold war, at least at the time it wasn't a case of a "loose adherence to procedures" but more of a lack of skill.

[PR3D4TOR]

Well, Toad is here now. I'd be very interested to hear what insights he has.

[Toad]

About what?

In the late 70s interception by a single fighter was common. In fact, seeing a flight of two was a rare thing when operating around the USSR. It was common to see a pair of Cuban MiG-21s. They were very good sticks. Can't say the same for the Soviet pilots of that time.

As for the RC crew seeing only one in this recent incident…had there been more than one they probably would have known it. It's what RCs do.

<edit> That's not to say that the US side is releasing everything they know about this incident. </edit>

[icepac]

True................any "RC" craft will likely have a clear picture of everything flying nearby.

[MrKrabs]

   

In.

Beat me to it... Can't end well...

IN