(Tehran) The mullahs in Iran have claimed to have shot down an Israeli stealth UAV. Well, they could be telling the truth, using informers on the ground to e-mail them the times UAVs take off and then using simple math to work out time on target. But something doesn't sit right with me on this. The IDF does own a UAV which has the legs to fly over Iran (Heron TP), but to call it stealthy? It's got a wingspan as large as a 737, it flies at 370 mph and it uses a propeller to push it through the air. To any country with a half decent air force, UAVs which use a propeller are cannon fodder.
Then there's the reason why Iran situated its Natanz nuclear enrichment site in the middle of a mountain range, which itself is in the middle of the desert, which is situated virtually bang centre of the country and, as Saddam found out, Iran isn't small.
Now, does anybody here think the IDF is that stupid to stick out like a sore thumb whilst taking pictures of an Iranian nuclear site which is based 75 ft underground, covered by 2 concrete roofs, each 5 metres thick? It would be a lot easier using a satellite.
So why would Iran claim to have shot down a UAV? Well, for a start, they may have. Currently inside Iraq, the US is hitting ISIS for 6 using drones. It could be the British, they have their Rivet Joint flying over the area. Then there's Saudi Arabia, which isn't exactly the best of friends with Iran. They purchased a load of Chinese UAVs the other month. Or the Iranians may be playing chess. Last month talks over its nuclear ambitions between the West and Iran fell through, while talks have been rescheduled for November, both sides will be meeting at the UN in September. By playing the victim card, the mullahs may be hoping to gain concessions from the West.
Update 25/08/14
Iran has decided to identify the UAV they shot down as a Elbit Hermes type UAV. Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh said that the Israeli drone was equipped with two front and side cameras that could capture panoramic footage with very high resolution.
Then there's the reason why Iran situated its Natanz nuclear enrichment site in the middle of a mountain range, which itself is in the middle of the desert, which is situated virtually bang centre of the country and, as Saddam found out, Iran isn't small.
Now, does anybody here think the IDF is that stupid to stick out like a sore thumb whilst taking pictures of an Iranian nuclear site which is based 75 ft underground, covered by 2 concrete roofs, each 5 metres thick? It would be a lot easier using a satellite.
So why would Iran claim to have shot down a UAV? Well, for a start, they may have. Currently inside Iraq, the US is hitting ISIS for 6 using drones. It could be the British, they have their Rivet Joint flying over the area. Then there's Saudi Arabia, which isn't exactly the best of friends with Iran. They purchased a load of Chinese UAVs the other month. Or the Iranians may be playing chess. Last month talks over its nuclear ambitions between the West and Iran fell through, while talks have been rescheduled for November, both sides will be meeting at the UN in September. By playing the victim card, the mullahs may be hoping to gain concessions from the West.
Update 25/08/14
Iran has decided to identify the UAV they shot down as a Elbit Hermes type UAV. Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh said that the Israeli drone was equipped with two front and side cameras that could capture panoramic footage with very high resolution.
"The drone is made by the Zionist regime and can operate within a range of 800 kilometers."
He went on to note that the aircraft can cruise 1,600 kilometres on one tank of fuel.
Anybody see where Iran has tripped up here? It's more than 1,600 kms one way. The type he alleges to have shot down just doesn't have the legs to fly into Iran.
Anybody see where Iran has tripped up here? It's more than 1,600 kms one way. The type he alleges to have shot down just doesn't have the legs to fly into Iran.
