[Updated] U.S. Stealthy RQ-170 model on display at Tehran in Feb.11 Rallies. With extracted landing gear.

February 11, 2012 Captured Stealth Drone

David Cenciotti

On Feb.11, a model of the U.S. stealthy RQ-170 drone captured on Dec. 4, 2011, was displayed at Tehran during the pro-government rallies marking the 33rd anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

According to the Fars news agency that has released a very small image taken by the Iranian ralliers, the spy robot model has been built by the aerospace unit of the IRGC (Islamic Revolution Guards Corps).

Although the one displayed at Tehran is a model (even if some are still uncertain whether the one seen in the aftermath of the capture is real or fake), this can be considered the first public appearance of the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel since it was showcased for the first time by Iran after it was recovered.

Noteworthy, whereas the alleged real one had its underbelly completely hidden, the 1:1 model on display on Feb. 11 seems to have the undercarriage extracted and clearly visible.

Few weeks ago Iranian media gave the news that a 1:80 reproduction of the RQ-170 was produced to be put on the market and would be sent as a gift to President Obama, who asked the return of the “Beast of Kandahar” captured by Tehran.

Image credit: Fars news agency

“Three U.S. and four Israeli drones captured in Iran to be put on display soon”: Tehran Times says. “Downed” RQ-170 saga continues (theaviationist.com)
How many U.S. stealthy drones were actually lost in Iran? New theories about the “downed” RQ-170 surface (theaviationist.com)
Iran seizes a U.S. Stealth Drone by taking over controls. Maybe… And what about that Predator virus? (theaviationist.com)

About David Cenciotti

David Cenciotti is a journalist based in Rome, Italy. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviationist”, one of the world’s most famous and read military aviation blogs. Since 1996, he has written for major worldwide magazines, including Air Forces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, and many others, covering aviation, defense, war, industry, intelligence, crime and cyberwar. He has reported from the U.S., Europe, Australia and Syria, and flown several combat planes with different air forces. He is a former 2nd Lt. of the Italian Air Force, a private pilot and a graduate in Computer Engineering. He has written five books and contributed to many more ones.

Albert Yome says:

February 11, 2012 at 5:20 PM

This shows what a pathetic, insular, little, theocratic, totalitarian regime the mad mullahs are operating. As they cannot take the US on, they celebrate the (possible) capture of a UAV.
Jeff says:

February 12, 2012 at 12:54 AM

Found this pic:

iipa.ir/fa/ic/20041/374053.jpg
Marc Saussure says:

February 13, 2012 at 3:26 PM

is it me or the nose looks incredibly odd on the picture jeff sent? has anyone compared these pictures with the ones in the gym from last year?
- David Cenciotti says:
  
  February 13, 2012 at 11:44 PM
  
  The picture Jeff sent depicts a model allegedly built based on the actual one depicted in the gym so I assume it is of the same type. Maybe it’s a matter of point of view.