Aircraft
Merits of Sentinel Radar Touted, as Axe Looms
The RAF and Raytheon are lobbying to spare the Sentinel radar surveillance aircraft from British defense cuts. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
The RAF and Raytheon are lobbying to spare the Sentinel radar surveillance aircraft from British defense cuts. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

Officials from Raytheon UK and personnel from the Royal Air Force (RAF) are emphasizing the excellent performance of the Sentinel R.1 Airborne Stand-Off Radar (Astor) system over Afghanistan and Libya. They are hoping that the UK Ministry of Defence will reverse its 2010 decision to withdraw the ground surveillance system, which flies on five Bombardier Global Express business jets, after most British troops leave Afghanistan in 2014.