michaelm@ESD.3Com.COM (Michael McNeil) (06/20/91)
From: michaelm@ESD.3Com.COM (Michael McNeil) Anyone see the article "Triangular Recon Aircraft May be Supporting F-117A" in the June 10, 1991, *Aviation Week and Space Technology*? It appears that there's a good reason why the SR-71 was retired.... Some excerpts: "The U.S. Air Force is believed to be operating several highly classified triangular-shaped stealth aircraft with its Lockheed F-117A fighters, to provide real-time reconnaissance imagery. [...] "Several TR-3As are believed to have been deployed temporarily to Alaska, Britain, Panama and Okinawa. More recently, they are believed to have supported F-117A operations in the Persian Gulf war. "The aircraft is designed to collect and transmit near-real- time digital photo data for immediate tactical applications. With a range of more than 3,000 naut. mi. and the ability to operate at both low and high altitudes, the TR-3A is a stealthy, versatile reconnaissance platform capable of both tactical and strategic duties. [...] "During Desert Storm, TR-3A data might have been limited to F-117A support only, possibly for intelligence security reasons. [...] "For years it has been suspected that a closely held aircraft such as a TR-3A existed, although its designation and mission were unclear. The classified reconnaissance aircraft has been observed flying at night with multiple F-117As near Edwards AFB, Calif., since 1989. A triangular vehicle operating during daylight hours near Tehachapi, Calif. -- about 30 naut. mi. from Edwards -- in May, 1990, also closely matched descriptions of the TR-3A. [...] "The TR-3A is believed to [...] [be] possibly up to 42 ft. long with a 60-65-ft. wingspan. It may be powered by modified twin General Electric F404 engines rated in the 12,000-lb.-thrust range, but has a much quieter noise footprint than the F117A. This is attributed to exhaust nozzles placed well forward of the TR-3A's wing trailing edge, shielding them from ground- based acoustic and infrared detectors." [pp. 20-21] -- Michael McNeil Mail: Michael_McNeil@3Mail.3Com.COM 3Com Corporation News: michaelm@molehill.ESD.3Com.COM Santa Clara, California Work telephone: (408) 492-1790 x 5-208 Energy is eternal delight. William Blake