Best recce aircraft

Hi,

We haven’t done a best …… (whatever) thread for a while now. Last one was about the best military transport. So I was thinking we could do a thread about tactical recce a/c. Which one is the best tactical recce a/c in your opinion? And more importantly: WHY????
Here are some contenders, with some short descriptions:

1. Mirage F-1CR-200
Claimed to be the most versatile of recce a/c. Can carry many different payloads. Doubles as a fighter-bomber.

2. Su-24MR Fencer-E
Is as versatile as 1. Can carry more recce payload and has better range. Limited self defence capability (because of low maneuvrability).

3. RF-4C/E Photo Phantom
Used by a lot of nations, even though it is an old design. Many sensors available. Limited self defence capability.

4. F/A-18D(CR) Hornet
Gun can be replaced by two recce sensors (IR and either low altitude or medium altitude digital camera). Drawback: only two sensors. Advantage: retains full fighter-bomber capability (minus the gun), has data-link.

5. F-16 with wide variety of recce pods
Pod can be easily attached, but offers drag.

6. Tornado GR1A/GR4A (or German IDS with pods)
GR1A has internal recce suite so it can fly long range missions carrying 4 fuel tanks. Recce suite is IR only (that’s why the RAPTOR pod is being developed).

7. F-14/TARPS
Great self defence capability, can self-escort. Long range.

8. etcetera, etcetera,…

Any thoughts???

Ference.