Ryan Pickerall – Business Insider June 21, 2019
- Iranian forces shot down a US surveillance drone Wednesday evening, escalating an already tense situation between Washington and Tehran, Iran’s capital.
- The drone was a US Navy Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS-D) aircraft — a RQ-4A Global Hawk high-altitude long endurance (HALE) drone.
- This high-value aircraft is one of the US military’s most advanced unmanned aerial systems, and it has a price tag much higher than that of an F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
- Iran claims the drone had entered Iranian airspace, but the US says it was shot down in international airspace over the Strait of Hormuz.
Global Hawk drone. Click to enlarge
Iranian forces took out a US unmanned aerial vehicle Wednesday evening with a surface-to-air missile, US Central Command confirmed. The drone the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot out of the sky happens to be one of the US military’s most advanced high-altitude unmanned aircraft.
The Iranians shot down a US Navy Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS-D) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft, specifically a RQ-4A Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) drone, which the military uses to conduct recon operations over oceans and coastal waterways, among other areas.
The US military called the incident “an unprovoked attack on a US surveillance asset in international airspace” over the Strait of Hormuz, the entrance to the Persian Gulf. The Iranians have accused the US drone of entering Iranian airspace, an allegation Central Command characterized as completely false.
The RQ-4, which informed the development of the newer MQ-4C drones, is one of the most advanced high-altitude drones being employed operationally, The War Zone said. These aircraft, Northrop Grumman aircraft that have been used extensively in the Persian Gulf, rely on a suite of high-end electronic sensors and other intelligence-gathering systems to peer into other countries.
The aircraft, which is used by both the US Air Force and the US Navy, has a price tag higher than the US military’s new F-35 stealth fighters. A Global Hawk has a unit cost of roughly $123 million, while an F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter costs only $89 million.
“This isn’t a throwaway drone whose loss the US will just shrug off,” Ulrike Franke, a drone expert with the European Council on Foreign Relations, said on Twitter. But it’s not just the price tag that makes the loss of this drone a big deal. The drone is designed to be harder to hit, she said, because they fly at altitudes beyond the reach of some air defense defense systems.
“The RQ-4 flies at upwards of 65,000 feet,” Tyler Rogoway, the editor of The War Zone, wrote. “So this would have been a sophisticated radar-guided surface-to-air missile that shot the aircraft down, not a shoulder-fired, heat-seeking missile.”
Iran said the IRGC shot down the US drone with an upgraded Khordad missile-defense system, which can detect and track targets 95 miles away and down them at a distance of 30 miles, Breaking Defense reported. The system can target enemy aircraft flying as high as 81,000 feet, or roughly 15 miles.
The Global Hawk does not have any stealth capabilities or high-end countermeasures for penetration missions, leaving it vulnerable to any air defense systems that can hit high-altitude targets.
The latest incident comes just days after the crew of an Iranian boat fired an SA-7 surface-to-air missile at a MQ-9 Reaper drone, a roughly $15 million drone, but missed. Wednesday’s shoot-down marks a serious escalation in tensions between the US and Iran
But! There Is One VERY Big Problem With The US Story
So the US says that its drone was shot down while it was outside the 12 mile limit. Really? Well this drone, the RQ-4, collects all sort of information, from its own telemetry, to all sort of video, from infrared to optical. This aircraft can even operate autonomously.
But…, and its a big but, it does not operate intelligently. Why is this important? It is important because, it proves the US is really lying!
Huh? You might say! Allow me to explain.
The RQ-4 has the ability to operate on its own, as I said, autonomously. But its autonomous ability is “pre-programed”. Meaning that it will go off on a course of action, that it has already been programmed into its systems, but that program is a specific course of action. Meaning, for instance, while it was in this autonomous mode, and if it just so happened, that another aircraft came close to it, it doesn’t have the ability to take an intelligent course of action, other than what it was programmed into it, say just go to another altitude or just keep flying and ignore the attention. Why do I say this? Because the RQ-4 got shot down! Think about it! If the on board telemetry of that RQ-4 was active, as it should always be, then it should pick up that aircraft, and act accordingly. But it didn’t! Why? Well replace that aircraft example that comes close to our RQ-4 with an “Iranian missile”. You see, the RQ-4 has no intelligence, the damn thing is dumb, and got shot down.
So we have concluded a VERY important point. The RQ-4 might be autonomous, but it is as stupid as a door-knob! It can’t do anything of note, unless it has its human operators controlling it. Now we come to another important point. Since there were no human operators that were controlling the RQ-4 (for if there were they would be watching the telemetry and radar for any threats, like a missile), it means that the RQ-4 was under its own pre-programed, autonomous mode. So if that is the case, doesn’t it stand to reason that while it is in this mode, the RQ-4 was in full “spy mode”, that is it was gathering all INTEL that was available, including video from its optical, infra-red units.
Starting to get the message, folks?
That’s right folks. The RQ-4 would have FULL video and all sensor readings of the incoming missile attack. And so, since the RQ-4 is not receiving any command and control signals from human operators, for if it did, it would be giving its position away, it means that the RQ-4 was using its X-band satellite link to SEND its data. Using X-band it means that it can utilize very localized beam to the satellite and so no-one on the ground would be able to pick up its position while it was was gathering INTEL. That’s the whole point of X-band. But it also means the Americans where collecting LIVE information from the RQ-4 while it was spying. It also means, the Americans would have KNOWN of the incoming missile (Note: I say missile not missiles, meaning that the Iranian missile hit the RQ-4 with 100% accuracy), and not just KNOWN BUT THEY ALSO HAVE THE INCOMING MISSILE BEING FILMED, all while, all the other telemetry and video cameras were also operating. Remember the missile came from direction that the cameras were filming, not say from above, missiles don’t do that.
So if the Americans want to prove their point, that is, the RQ was shot down in international waters, they can! Show the video of the coming missile, and then we should see the missile coming towards it, with the backdrop of the Iranian coastline! And from very simple physics principles we can prove exactly were the RQ was. Remember the RQ WAS in contact with its base using the X-band comm.’s So the Americans do have REAL video of the whole event.
So where is the video America? Show us the proof!
Well they aren’t going to. And you know why. Because this is just another lie, in a long, VERY long list of lies, by the US Military. Meaning the US were ILLEGALLY in Iranian airspace!
TO USA: EITHER SHOW THE PROOF, OR APOLOGIZE TO IRAN!!!
It really does seem the USA is getting desperate.
Hey Trump! What kind of cockamamie outfit are you running over there? Very 3rd rate, Trump. Very, very, 3rd, rate! So what do we have now, a 6 time bankrupt that has thrown away six fortunes, and US Military that throws away fortunes in the guise of technology, Intel, and great propaganda!
Who needs an enemy, when the US Military and Trump, make good great self all on their lonesomes!
Ryan Pickerall of the Business Insider said:
“Wednesday’s shoot-down marks a serious escalation in tensions between the US and Iran”
No it doesn’t, Lyan. For the Iranians, it’s just patriotic, military men defending their borders against unwelcome invaders and terrorists, including the biggest terrorists in the world: the US Government of Pentagoonia.
It’s good to see a sovereign country defending itself against parasitic barbarians threatening their life.
There’s something fishy about that Lyan Pickerell from the None of Your Business Insider…
Since the United States has zero credibility due to a series of grossly illegal and highly immoral wars of aggression, not to mention false flag attacks in partnership with that psychotic, demonic toxic cesspool posing as a country known as Israel, we can only assume the drone was over Iranian territory and they, thus, had a right to shoot it out of the sky. The US is lying, yet again, and Iran is telling the truth, yet again.
Here’s another interesting tell; Trump reportedly ordered a retaliatory strike against Iran and then completely reversed that command. Trump knew there was proof the drone was in Iranian airspace and they weren’t going to get away with another brazen attack against a sovereign country simply defending itself.
@Umbra Bellator
So I have to ask you, with all due respect Umbra Bellator (any relation to a Lupus in WoW! 😉 ), if you can raise intelligent points as you did, what does it say about the US Military and Trump’s thinking that they can’t see how stupid their story is? What does that say about the utter contempt that the Whitehouse and US Military have for people’s intelligence. It really speaks volumes about the incredible arrogance these people have for the rest of the world’s ability to see through the lies, or the utter contempt they have for everyone but their own moronic judgements.
Truly, I ask you Umbra, do you think it is wise that a Superpower like the US is running around the world amok as it is, and that it sees the rest of the world as morons, when the actual reality is the Americans are the morons?
I stated in another comment: The World Runs On Lies.
Here is another idiom, perfect for this occasion:
In regard to the Trump Administration and US Military:
When you are in a room full of morons, everyone is a genius.
And there are lots of geniuses in the Oval Office these days!
And that’s the problem, American arrogance breeds false ingenuity, and this false ingenuity breeds more ignorance, intolerance, and moronicity. If another war results, it will be for once again, the morons that are in control.
The American Administration and Military really have such a low opinion of non-Americans and their analytical abilities. All I can say is this:
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK TRUMP; I HOPE YOU’RE PRESIDENT AGAIN! THE REST OF THE WORLD NEEDS YOU!
To All Americans:
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! VOTE FOR TRUMP AGAIN!
dorian – I would go very easy with your support for trump unless it was tongue in cheek.
trump is not he seems to be and is totally controlled.
@Dorian
It seems you answered your own questions, dear sir, as I agree with practically everything you state. The United States is, unfortunately, and out-of control monster these days, receiving tragically misguided, if not psychotic, direction from the rabid, incessantly shrieking ZioJews, Jewish lobby, and the parasitical military-industrial complex.
Your comments regarding the arrogance and stupidity of all-too-many in seats of power, as well as among the brain-washed and dumbed-down citizenry, are quite accurate.
“In regard to the Trump Administration and US Military:
When you are in a room full of morons, everyone is a genius” VERY funny and very true!
As far as your comments on voting for Trump, Americans are seemingly in a no-win situation. There is no real choice at the polls. Any truly viable candidates for change or sanity are marginalized and relentlessly hammered by a corrupt and controlled press & media. America actually had a chance for hope and sanity a couple elections ago in Ron Paul. He got railroaded and America was doomed. The “elections” are nothing but a pantomime dog & pony show. Say what you want about Trump the bloviating buffoon and glorified used-car salesman, he’s an unmitigated disaster, but Hillary Clinton, the traitor, pathological liar, and maniacal psychopathic war-monger, would have been much worse.
And no, sir, I have never played WoW…though the legendary Leroy Jenkins character kind of reminds me of American foreign policy…
@Umbrella
Thank you for your reply. I like getting feedback, it keeps me in touch with reality. And sadly these days, reality is in very short supply in many governments, especially the US government and around the rest of the world.
But I will try and tilt your thinking on one point, if you don’t mind. I said what I said about Trump (and I do think you already understood this, but for emphasis I state it more acutely for everyone else reading), that Trump, yes an “unmitigated disaster” as you said he is, but a very important “unmitigated disaster” that the world needs. For you see, as you, like many others, are witnessing these last few days, a psychology of Trump is becoming very evident. Trump talks big, but has no real bravado; threats and bluster is Trump’s major weapon, courage is seriously lacking. The man always threatens, but this is a familiar type of animal, like the lyrebird, it presents itself with its strewn out feathers extravagantly especially in situations of threat (and for other reasons too) blowing out its feathers making itself bigger than what it really is, but runs away at the first assault. Trump is a lyrebird of exquisite form.
Everything about Tump is a lie. He said many times in the past that his very rich and successfully self made father, gave him nothing to help him to get started in business. But that is a lie,
he was gifted 60 million dollars!. His ability to do business,
while at the same time racking up 6 Chapter 11’s. His showmanship of his buildings that he had constructed, most of which having serious build issues;for example, Trump Tower. His personnel image building with his hair, some day its in places and then its not, basically its on a continuous rebuilding process , and then of course, we all know about his needs to support his vanity with having a trophy wife. The man is all fake, in everything!
So you see, Trump has no courage, he has surrounded himself with always “things” that reinforce his false image. So it is with his blustering to all nations, especially now Iran. So I see Trump, as a gift. A gift to the world, to show the entire world how delusional and how shallow and pathetic not just Trump is, but the entire US government has become.
Trump is a safe bet. Hillary Clinton is a hateful selfish megalomaniacal so-and-so.
In short Umbrella, I Trust In Trump! Incompetence is always safer than that megalomaniacal …..! Trump as far as I am concerned, is doing great business. Thanks to “The Art Of The Deal” Trump, he has lost Turkey to Russia and now India is going to buy S-400 defense systems from them too. Has Trump ever delivered a successful deal? Answer: Has he built The Wall yet?
Frankly I think the world is in a safer place, with Trump incompetence and false bravado. I just thought to make my position clearer, for all reading!
Well, I was close with WoW. Only problem Umbra is that Leeroy Jenkins gets everyone else killed, and he ends up eating chicken, if I do recall (its been a long time ago for me). Yeah, I see your point, lets just hope it doesn’t end that way for real.
To All Americans:
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! VOTE FOR TRUMP.
@tresmegistus
I take your point very seriously, I do understand. Yes indeed Trump is very much controlled. That’s the beauty of this. Allow me to explain.
Imagine if it was H. Clinton in the Oval Office. I can assure you things would be much worse. Any other Democrat would fall in the total clutches of the US Military Industrial Complex, and will also have their mouths controlled too!
But, with Trump, the man is a compulsive idiotic braggart, and is uncontrollable. Trump can’t shut up, this is a man that uses his vanity and ego as a weapon. The greatest weapons that an adversary can have! For as long as Trump talks and brags, the more problematic it is for the US Military to manage the utter resentment and chaos that is brewing with his constant pronouncements of self-edifying greatness and sanctimoniousness. Trump is creating more enemies than the last four presidents combined (specifically, Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush)!
Think about it.
In Trumps term of Office so far, NOT EVEN THREE YEARS, I might add, he has:
-Khashoggi Affair; he made a shemozzle of it, showing how Trump is prepared to work more with a psychopath like MBS than with sane people,
-Merkel A Russian Agent: criticized Merkel all because of NATO, where he wanted more money for the US’s pirating adventures,
-Trump shows he’s a coward; meeting with Putin in person, after so many Russian hacking charges were made about the US elections, Trump chicken’s out and calls Putin a great guy, and then when back in the US, starts ragging on Putin again;
-Trump has yet delivered on any promise that got him elected;
and the big one,
-The Wall; nearly three years and counting and Trump can’t “Art of the Deal” as he said he would, make Mexico pay for it!
I WANT MORE TRUMP: PLEASE AMERICA VOTE FOR TRUMP!
It may be considered a bit tongue in cheek, but seriously, I am SERIOUS. Look at the alternatives. Biden, or any other democrat will just hand over the total running of the Government to the Military. At least with Trump, he will add a hell of a lot of trepidation with his constant announcements, the man can’t shut up! He is priceless!
Of course, there is always the chance if Trump wins, he could be assassinated and then there will his number 2 that we have to worry about. Either way, tresmegistus do you really want a democrat in the Oval Office, look at the hell that Obama and Clinton brought onto the world!
For the record: I HATE TRUMP. I THINK HE IS A POMPOUS MORONIC, IMBECILE, BUFFOON WITH AN OVER SIZED EGO MASQUERADING HIS JUVENILE IGNORANCE. BUT THE ALTERNATIVES ARE WORSE. AT LEAST WITH TRUMP THE WORLD HAS HIS FALSE COURAGE AND HIS BUFFOONERY TO AIDE IT FROM UNITED STATES EVIL.
If the Democrats were in power instead of Trump right now. There would have been an attack on Iran, with out doubt. But how do you attack a country with someone like Trump that shoots his mouth off all the time, telegraphing possible actions all the time?
Thanks to Trump, the US Military is really in a tough place. Just imagine if the Military took unilateral action! How do you think Trump’s ego will take that!
In short, trust in Trump’s ego. Its our greatest weapon for world peace. Trump is only interested in Trump. He will take on his own Military if he knew they where going to give him a bad name!
Trump is so stupid that you can use reverse psychology on him. Actually, its not that he is so stupid, its just he is so incredibly vain! And you can say all this even in public, for vanity like his is very rare, and people like Trump will never understand what you are talking about because they are “off in another delusional world of extraordinary self magnificence”, so tresmegistus take advantage of it. All Trump wants is the world to exalt him! He’ll even go against his own Military, if it serves his own “delusional aggrandizing.”
Seriously, tresmegistus, do you really want a Democrat in power? Seriously!