RAF Sentinel R1 preparing to depart from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. SCO 9274.
Image details
Contributor:
David Gowans / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
EBRG46File size:
70 MB (1.6 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
6064 x 4035 px | 51.3 x 34.2 cm | 20.2 x 13.5 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
2 December 2014Location:
RAF Lossiemouth, Moray. Grampian Region. Scotland. UK.More information:
The Raytheon Sentinel is an airborne battlefield and ground surveillance aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force. Based on the Bombardier Global Express ultra long range business jet, it was adapted by Raytheon to meet the RAF's requirements. Originally known as the ASTOR (Airborne STand-Off Radar) programme the aircraft is operated by a RAF squadron manned by both air force and army personnel. The Sentinel is interoperable with other allied systems such as JSTARS and the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) system. In 2010 the UK government's Strategic Defence and Security Review announced its intention to "withdraw the Sentinel airborne ground surveillance aircraft once it is no longer required to support operations in Afghanistan." Sentinel has supported the British Army in Afghanistan. One Sentinel aircraft was deployed to assist French forces in Mali on 25 January 2013. The 2010 decision was reversed in 2014 by Prime Minister David Cameron. It will remain in RAF service until at least 2018. The aircraft normally operates at over 40, 000 feet (12, 000 m) to ensure a high resolution view of a large battlefield area. It is crewed by a pilot, a co-pilot, an Airborne Mission Commander (AMC) and two image analysts. Mission endurance is approximately nine hours. While the image analysts can analyse the images on board the aircraft it is expected that, unlike the JSTARS, the actual battle management will occur on the ground