| TR-3 Black Manta | |
|---|---|
| Role | Stealth spyplane |
| Manufacturer | Northrop |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
The TR-3 Black Manta is a reputedly United States Air Force tactical spyplane. It is allegedly a black program.
The TR-3 is claimed to be a subsonic stealth spyplane with a flying wing design. It was alleged to have been used in the Gulf War to provide laser designation for F-117A Nighthawk bombers, for targeting to use with laser-guided bombs (smart bombs). However, there is no hard evidence of the involvement of any other stealth aircraft in the Gulf War. William Scott referred to the Black Manta as TR-3 unaware that ER-2 was a NASA designation and not a DoD designation due to ER standing for "Earth Resources".
See also[]
References[]
Further reading[]
- "TR-3A Evolved From Classified Prototypes, Based on Tactical Penetrator Concept" Aviation Week and Space Technology, June 10, 1991. p 20-21
- “Triangular Recon Aircraft May be Supporting F-117A” AW&ST, June 10, 1991. p 20. William Scott"
- America's New Secret Aircraft" Popular Mechanics, December 1991. pp. 32-5. Gregory T. Pope
- "Possible Black Aircraft Seen Flying In Formation with F-117As KC-135s." Aviation Week, March 9, 1992. p. 66-67
- Popular Science, March 1993
External links[]
- GlobalSecurity: Mystery - TR-3A
The original article can be found at TR-3 Black Manta and the edit history here.