A Tu-214SR circling from a few hours over Sochi for the opening ceremony.
The Tupolev Tu-214SR is a Special Mission Aircraft of the Russian Air Force. Although few details about this special plane are known, the “SR” is belived to be a communication relay aircraft, often accompanying Putin’s presidential aircraft on its travels.
In other words, it is the Russian “doomsday” plane, with an airborne command and control role similar to that of the U.S. E-4B.
Another variant of the same aircraft, dubbed Tu-214R is modified for ELINT (Electronic Intelligence)/ SIGINT (Signal Intelligence) mission.
The aircraft can be tracked on Flightradar24.com and Planefinder.net circling near Sochi (not far from the two U.S. warships in the Black Sea).
Top image screenshot from FR24.com
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