A rather rare opportunity to capture one of the "Gabriel" ELINT Transall, as these discreet aircraft were normally stationed on the other side of Frescaty runway.

Operated by CEV at that time

Operated by CEV at that time. Photographer: Yvon COZANNET

A little shabbier than when I last photographed it at Fairford in 2005, one of the two C-160G Gabriel SIGINT conversions. The other is now at LBG

ELINT/SIGINT version of Transall C-160 operated by EE 1/54

Rarely seen Elint version of the Transall, known as the "Gabriel". The aircraft is operated by EET 01.054 based at Metz.

Operated by Escadron Electronique (EE) 1/54 "Dunkerque"

One of two Transall G "Gabriel" modified for ELINT purposes. From Electronique Warfare squadron "Dunkerque" (EE 00-051).

ELINT version of Transall C-160 from EE.54

The rarely seen ELINT/SIGINT version of Transall C-160 from EE.54 nicknamed "Gaby" in the French Air Force.

Rarely seen Elint version of the Transall, known as "Gabriel". Operated by EE 54

In 1984, the French MoD launched a programme to equip the Armée de l'Air with a modern and reliable Signal and Comint (SIGINT/COMINT) collection aircraft to replace the six heavily modified Noratlas aircraft. Two C-160s were taken from the transport inventory, being F216 and F221. These became resp. C-160G-1 and C-160G-2 , both modified with a radome containing a COMINT espionage system under the belly of the aircraft, two pods at wingtips containing the ELINT systems and four antennas on top of the nose. From 1989 the first spionage C-160, now named Gabriel, became operational. Assigned to Escadron Electronique Aéroporté (EEA) 1/54 "Dunkerque"

A very rare catch of a C.160G, a C.160NG fitted out for ELINT (electronic signals intelligence) work. The C.160G 'Gabriel' machines have been seen operating out of Gando several times, most probably listening in on terrorist communications in Mali.