717
Genius (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/historymemes@piefed.social
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[–] 24 points 1 year ago* (6 children)

It was at least partially retired because some Asshat General decided that since the USAF has multi role attack airframes, that we didn't need recon aircraft anymore. As far as I can tell the only viable threat to the planes were SAAB Viggens.

I'm not salty. You're salty.

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  • [–] 13 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Eh the use of recon aircraft has been fairly outdated with satellites and remote aircraft

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  • [–] 7 points 1 year ago (3 children)

    the problem with sattelites is that they have to be on a predictable course. any opponent able to reach space can destroy them. the communication to remotely piloted aircraft can also be jammed as part of an attack. it's why they could use an astro-inertial navigation system on the SR-71 that could not be jammed and would allow the pilot to sway from the planned course, but also go back on course. i can't believe they retired it. it closed a gap.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    Yeah the NRO satellites really make me doubt that. $2-$6b satellites capable imaging the sunlit side of the planet every 90 minutes would be a stupid expense if any country could just shoot them down.

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