RIAT 2006 News Release
RAF DISPLAYS LATEST 'EYE IN THE SKY'
The Royal Air Force’s latest surveillance aircraft will go on public display at this summer’s Air Tattoo.
The Sentinel R1 aircraft, from 5 (AC) Squadron based at RAF Waddington, is effectively an ultra long-range business jet that has been modified to accommodate radar and communications systems.
Flying at an altitude of 49,000ft, it is capable of providing a clear view of a large battlefield area. The image data is transmitted in real time via secure data links to ground-based processing stations.
During conflict, the radar can identify friendly and hostile forces – their quantity, direction and speed. In peacetime, it is capable of performing a number of roles including monitoring and managing humanitarian relief, helping during natural or man-made disasters and controlling smuggling and other border violations.