UK troops blow up 50 million pound Hercules aircraft in Afghanistan

British commanders in Afghanistan ordered the blowing up of a 50-million pound Hercules aircraft to ensure that its high-tech gear did not fall into the Talibans hands.

London, Sept.5 : British commanders in Afghanistan ordered the blowing up of a 50-million pound Hercules aircraft to ensure that its high-tech gear did not fall into the Taliban's hands.

According to The Sun, a decision to destroy the specially modified RAF Hercules was taken after it crash-landed in southern Helmand Province.

The plane was used to move SAS troops and equipment, and its loss is expected to hamper Special Forces operations, the tabloid reported.

The hushed-up accident occurred last week in a blacked-out night landing on a rough dirt airstrip.

Four SAS troopers guided in pilots using night vision goggles on the ground.

Hercules planes used by the special forces are equipped with highly classified digital encrypted satellite and high frequency communications suites to relay messages and video from SAS troops on the ground straight back to UK headquarters from anywhere in the world.

They are also fitted with the latest defensive aids including missile-approach warning gear - and have the ability to jam anti-aircraft missiles with flares and chaff launchers, which release millions of tiny metal particles to confuse radar systems.

Aircraft for SAS missions also have to be able to carry the Who Dares Wins regiment's very heavily armed Land Rovers or Mad Max-style Special Utility Vehicles.

They also transport the SAS's raider speedboats and mini-subs.

ANI