Eyes in the Sky: Advanced Russian Spy Plane Conducts Test Flight

A sophisticated Russian special-mission plane has conducted a test flight near the Russian city of Kazan, according to the flight tracking website flightradar24.com.

The flight tracking website flightradar24.com reports that the Tu-214R, a Russian special-mission aircraft, has carried out a test flight outside the Russian city of Kazan.

The Russian Tu-214R is a state-of-the art plane based on the Tu-214 commercial transport aircraft which was modified under the codename 'Project 141' to replace the Ilyushin IL20M ELINT.

RUAF Tu-214R SIGINT a/c is conducting a test flight near Kazan https://t.co/ATAlqh47xv pic.twitter.com/Dih8Jo1wQX

— Air Force Freak (@AlRFORCEFREAK) 31 октября 2015

The Tu-214R is equipped with MRC-411 multi-mission payload to complete assignments, including intelligence gathering-related tasks related to Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT).

@AlRFORCEFREAK Tu-214R 64514 pictured taking off Kazan this morning (C) D.Romashko pic.twitter.com/2h371G3GPX

— Air Force Freak (@AlRFORCEFREAK) 31 октября 2015

The aircraft also carries Side Looking Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and electro-optical systems.

@AlRFORCEFREAK 64514 has little differences compared to 1st Tu-214R 64511 pic.twitter.com/3ZUDQrb51m

— Air Force Freak (@AlRFORCEFREAK) 31 октября 2015

In May 2015, it was reported that the Tu-214R had conducted a test flight near eastern Ukraine's border.