RQ-170 caught on TerraServer

Whoops! Looks like someone wasn't checking the flyover schedule. Or they were and didn't mind letting this one get out.

One of the satellites that the website TerraServer sources images from snapped the bat-winged drone sitting outside of a shelter at Creech Air Force Base on February 2nd, 2012. You can see it here. Not only is it the first known occurrence of an RQ-170 being caught by a commercial imaging satellite, but it also works as a nice size comparison to the MQ-9 Reaper sitting nearby.

Link to TerraServer here

0.3 km^2 resolution image


Pictures were recently let loose of an RQ-170 lining up behind a boom.

a reply to: cmdrkeenkid

I'll be there in less than a month to see if they left their toys out.

Thats what happens when mum rings the dinner bell early
Lovely bit of gear..

a reply to: cmdrkeenkid

It's always fun to see what you can find on these sites.

Looks a lot smaller than I was imagining

a reply to: WeOwnTheNight

The -170 was an interim, off the shelf aircraft to fill a need. It was a fairly quick development.

a reply to: Sammamishman

That should be awesome. Hopefully you'll have some pictures to share when you get back (from Gitmo ).

I have a question. The rq-170 seems pretty simple on the outside (not much to see) Is there much or anything at all that can really be deduced from a sat pic of it just sitting outside a hanger? Other than its there, granted its not opened up and being serviced or something in broad daylight

a reply to: BASSPLYR

Like all stealth aircraft the really important stuff is shielded inside the airframe when not in use. The B-2 and others even retract their navigation lights when flying missions.

a reply to: cmdrkeenkid

Well if you guys don't hear from me after mid July, send me a post card to Cuba.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: WeOwnTheNight

The -170 was an interim, off the shelf aircraft to fill a need. It was a fairly quick development.

Just was exepecting a flying wing to be wider haha