Was Ed Fouches TR-3B a total disinfo, while Northrop Grummans TR-3A Black Manta may have been more realistic? OR, COULD BOTH HAVE BEEN DISINFO? Read this comment by Tim, from 2005: Based on the recent topic on the TR-3B and TR-3A, I have decided to try to define the TR-3A for readers. I believe it is the most realistic sounding of the two aircraft. The TR-3A Black Manta is a Top Secret spyplane built by Northrop Grumman. While very little detail is known of this plane, we do know some things. Based on almost 8 years of private research, I will try to piece together what I know for ATS readers. According to the March 1995 issue of Popular Mechanics, the first unconfirmed sighting of the TR-3A, occured in Anthelope Valley, CA., near Northrops (Now Northrop Grumman) Advanced Systems Plant, Air Force Plant 42, Site 4 (where the B-2s were built). Observers claim it is a flying wing aircraft with rounded wing tips and a short wing span (approxamately: 60 to 65 feet). Reports about the presence or absence of vertical tail surfaces are inconclusive! (Personally, I dont think it has a vertical tail, but I couldnt find a picture without the tail). The fleet of Black Mantas is thought to be small (No more then 20 to 30 aircraft). Observers say the aircraft can fly slow and maybe even hover. The TR-3A (Note: I dont think it has the vertical tail fins based on what I know about flying wing, However that is MY opinion!): Based on the facts above, here are some conclusions I have drawn about the most likely mission of this plane (the following is ALL OPINION on my part, please accept it as such and feel free to debate my ideas and reasoning!): 1. The TR-3A is a Northrop Grumman aircraft! Northrop (Now Northrop Grumman) has been working with the flying wing since 1928, when its founder, Jack Northorp designed the first Northrop Flying wing, called the Avion Model 1. This long history of building flying wings gives them experience with that design that no other company has! Second, it was first seen near a Nothrop plant. This sugests that it might have been launched from that plant. 2. It reported ability to fly slow, suggests that it might fly an Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) or Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) mission similar to that of the RC-135 RIVET JOINT. 3. This aircraft is most likely based at Groom Lake/Area 51. This would be the best spot to hide it. Also, Groom Lake is not far from Anthelope Valley if you are flying! 4. The extreme secrecy also suggest a SIGINT or ELINT mission. SIGINT related info is classified as Top Secret SCI, according to the NSA. 5. The SIGINT mission implies that the aircraft might be flown by the Air Force Security Service! (The Air Force Security Service is a component of the Central Security Services (CSS). CSS is the military component of the NSA! CSS and the NSA. 6. The Fact that it is most likly a Air Force Security Service aircraft, means that the aircraft is tasked by the NSA. As I said these ideas are based on what I know. Feel free to add your own to the mix! illustration, courtesy of Adrain Mann.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 17:04:46 +0000
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