Can You track military aircraft on flightradar24?

Can You Track Military Aircraft on Flightradar24?

Flightradar24 is a popular website and app that provides real-time flight tracking data for civil aircraft. But can you track military aircraft on this platform? In this article, we’ll delve into the answer and explore the possibilities.

Can Flightradar24 track military aircraft?

**The Answer: It’s Complicated**

Flightradar24’s primary focus is on tracking commercial and general aviation aircraft. The company receives its data from a variety of sources, including Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transmissions, Mode-S radar data, and flight plans.

However, military aircraft typically do not transmit ADS-B data, which makes them difficult to track using traditional methods. Most military aircraft do not transmit Mode-S radar data either. This is because their communication systems are designed for secure and classified communications, making it challenging for civilians to intercept and decode this data.

But What About Military Aircraft That Can Be Tracked?

**There Are Exceptions**

While most military aircraft cannot be tracked on Flightradar24, there are some exceptions:

• NATO AWACS: Some NATO Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft, like the Boeing E-3 Sentry, can be tracked due to their commercial-style ADS-B transmissions.
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) aircraft: The US CBP uses unarmed military aircraft, such as the C-26 Metro II, for border patrol and surveillance. These aircraft are equipped with ADS-B transponders, making them visible on Flightradar24.
• Military aircraft participating in exercises or training: Some military aircraft may temporarily deploy ADS-B transponders during exercises or training activities, allowing them to be tracked on Flightradar24.

Additional Factors That Affect Tracking

**More Complications**

Even with these exceptions, there are additional factors that can limit the visibility of military aircraft on Flightradar24:

• Height and speed: Military aircraft often operate at high altitudes and speeds, making them difficult to track accurately. Flightradar24’s radar coverage is limited, and the website may struggle to provide accurate data for these fast-moving targets.
• Radio frequency interference: Military aircraft may use jamming devices to disrupt or interfere with civilian radar frequencies, making it challenging to track them.
• Geopolitical restrictions: In some regions, like the Middle East or Russia, military aircraft may operate in areas with limited radar coverage or restricted airspace. This can make it even more difficult to track them.

What About Publicly Available Data?

**Flightradar24’s Public Data**

Flightradar24 provides a Public Data feed, which includes data on aircraft that are not classified or restricted. This feed contains information on civilian flights, including commercial airliners and general aviation aircraft. Military aircraft that are publicly visible can also be included in this feed.

Military Aircraft That Can Be Tracked on Flightradar24

**A List of Observable Military Aircraft**

Here is a list of military aircraft that can be tracked on Flightradar24 due to their ADS-B transponders or publically available data:

Conclusion

**Tracking Military Aircraft on Flightradar24: A Challenge**

Tracking military aircraft on Flightradar24 is complicated due to the lack of ADS-B transmissions and limited radar coverage. While some exceptions exist, such as NATO AWACS and US Customs and Border Protection aircraft, the majority of military aircraft remain invisible on this platform.

For those interested in tracking military aircraft, it’s essential to consider the limitations and challenges associated with this endeavor. Remember that Flightradar24’s primary focus is on civilian aviation, and the website’s capabilities may not extend to military operations.

Final Thoughts

Tracking military aircraft is an exciting and complex topic, and Flightradar24 is just one platform that can provide some visibility into this world. Remember to respect the security concerns and limitations associated with tracking military aircraft, and be mindful of the sources you use to gather this data.