[flaps]

Just saw this on the news.

British Warplane Crashes in Afghanistan
Taliban Claims Guerrillas Shot Down Plane
By NOOR KHAN
AP
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan[/url] (Sept. 1) - A British patrol plane crashed Saturday, killing 14 servicemen in the worst loss of life for the NATO[/url] -led security force since it took on the mission of taming insurgents in Afghanistan's volatile south a month ago.

A purported spokesman for the ousted Taliban movement claimed guerrillas shot the plane down with a Stinger missile, but British Defense Secretary Des Browne said the loss appeared to be "a terrible accident." The alliance said the plane's crew had reported a technical problem.

The crash came as Afghan and foreign troops carried out a big operation near Kandahar, a former Taliban stronghold in a region that has seen a surge of violence. Afghan officials said 13 policemen, 13 insurgents and a civilian had died in clashes across the south since Friday.

The British Defense Ministry said the crashed plane was a Nimrod MR2, a long-range aircraft that can carry up to 25 people and a crew of 13 for reconnaissance and communications missions. The dead included 12 Royal Air Force personnel, a Royal Marine and an army soldier.

I am sorry for the loss to these families, Flaps

[SKUNKY]

I hated seeing this report as well.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Sorry to hear it too..
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families.
JP

[mustangdriver]

Very sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families. It is hard to believe that a military aircraft based on the design of the Commet is still flying.

[no4mkit]

Terrible news, regardless of the cause. Sympathies to our British allies and especially the grieving families.

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

It is hard to believe that a military aircraft based on the design of the Comet is still flying.

Actually, the P-3 series is based on the older Electra, and they're still in production!

[Gort]

My condolences as well. It makes you wonder if, with all these new, incredibly accurate SAMS, stingers, etc., old-guard ‘50s-‘60s era warriors can remain over the battlefield with any chance of survival – countermeasures or no countermeasures.

[tsr2]

Originally Posted by Gort

My condolences as well. It makes you wonder if, with all these new, incredibly accurate SAMS, stingers, etc., old-guard ‘50s-‘60s era warriors can remain over the battlefield with any chance of survival – countermeasures or no countermeasures.

Gort, from the latest reports over here it still looks like an accident. This was carried on the news tonight:

http://www.channel4.com/news/special...ge.jsp?id=3168

[Tyler109]

Originally Posted by no4mkit

Terrible news, regardless of the cause. Sympathies to our British allies and especially the grieving families.




Actually, the P-3 series is based on the older Electra, and they're still in production!

I didn't know they still made that old bird....I wish they would make that in 1:144 my uncle was a navigator on them if I'm not mistaken

[no4mkit]

There are plastic kits in 1/144 if that will work for you Tyler..

[admin]

What a unique aircraft.