MarmiteLover123

Looks like 1x F-15E shot down over Iran, and 1x MQ-9 and 1x A-10C as part of the RESCAP (Rescue Combat Air Patrol), with the A-10C pilot ejecting while outside of Iranian territory. The helicopters were likely hit by small arms fire, flying in broad daylight, there are videos of that. 1 airman from the F-15E rescued, 1 airman from the F-15E still missing, and the A-10C pilot rescued. The CSAR (combat search and rescue) team of HC-130J Combat King II fixed wing aircraft and HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters were geolocated deep inside Iran, about 110 miles/175km beyond the Iranian coastline/behind the frontline.

New Destruction of Enemy Air Defences loadout for F-16CJs/CMs with the Have Glass V treatment (reduces radar cross section and infrared signature). AN/ALQ-167 Angry Kitten ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) pods are seen equipped in conjunction with the AN/ASQ-213 HARM Targeting System (HTS) pods, and AGM-158 JASSM series cruise missiles to geolocate, jam, and destroy air defence sites/radars from a standoff distance/long range. A new pairing of systems for a long range kill chain vs advanced air defence systems that may out range the AGM-88 HARM and AGM-88E AARGM anti radiation missiles. AGM-88G AARGM-ER/SiAW, with 300km range and hypersonic flight speed, is not operational yet. Show the lengths that have to be made to keep non stealth aircraft relevant for all missions, including the destruction of, or patrols against HIMADS (High to medium air defense systems). Plenty of photos with F-16CJs carrying AGM-88 HARM and AGM-88E AARGM for use vs other air defence systems.

Source for photographs.

The claimed F-16 shoot down is not a manned aircraft, the wreakage is too small. Most likely a remotely piloted aircraft. That's an MQ-9, A-10s don't have slanted tails. The A-10C and MQ-9 likely were damaged/shot down as part of the rescue combat air patrol (RESCAP). The A-10 probably made it out of Iran before the pilot ejected.

As far as I can tell the last time it was used was on 9/11/2001 (it was filmed circling DC but I don’t think W actually used it).

No that's false, they fly regularly and there are four of them.

Past flight tracking data

The E-4B Nightwatch, there are four of them I think, and they move quite often. Nothing out of the ordinary to fly to Joint Base Andrews.

Look at past movements here

Yes the USA is conducting buildup for ground operations, I think for over a week now at least. This is part of that. Predicting exact dates and timings is not possible.

Yeah, encrypted radios, SATCOM devices, etc. It's a hunt for who can find the pilot first.

Yeah most likely. The CSAR aircraft have directed infrared countermeasures, but they're flying in broad daylight and can obviously be shot by guns. No "bullet countermeasures".

Yes, usually pilots are a little bit shorter afterwards from spinal compression. Spinal and neck injuries are very possible. If pilots can fly again (for the military or even for a civilian airliner), depends on if you can pass your medical or not. I think to fly in civil aviation you need a Class 1 medical, I don't know about the military, either the same or stricter. Some will fly again, some not.

Think the CENTCOM denial is from a previous incident, this shoot down is very recent. CSAR is currently ongoing in broad daylight, not a shoot down from over 15 hours ago. This is also no where near the Strait of Hormuz, the CSAR aircraft are over 100 miles from the Iranian coastline, yet alone the strait. CENTCOM tell lies/truth by omission, they'll deny the obvious, but if they have no comments, it likely happened.

Yeah that's the ACES II ejection seat used by the USAF. You can tell by the yellow grips. Nothing is going to look in great condition after an ejection. It's lying on it's back in your image:

Going to be very pedantic (apologies in advance), but types of aircraft are wrong, this should be HC-130J Combat King II fixed wing aircraft and HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters, these are the USAF CSAR assets.

Correct, F-15E from 494th FS of the USAF based at RAF Lakenheath, forward deployed to the Middle East.