February 8th, 2013
11:55 AM ET

Iran's newest warplane something from 'GI Joe?'

First it was monkeys in space (or not) and now it’s “GI Joe” fighter jets. Not the best of times for Iran’s aviation and aerospace programs, at least if you listen to the skeptics.

First there were doubts about Tehran’s claim it sent a monkey into space in late January.  After photos of two different monkeys that were aboard the alleged one-monkey space shot surfaced, Iran media said there was a photo mix-up and, yes, there was just one Iranian monkey in space.

Then this week Iran unveiled what it said was its new high-tech stealth fighter plane. The jet shown in pictures on the website of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been the butt of jokes all week from aviation bloggers.

“This aircraft looks a lot like an old GI Joe toy,” wrote one blogger.

And from another, “This has to be a joke, right?”

Click through the gallery above to see the bloggers' comments and evidence in the photos.

Iran unveils "flying boats"

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Filed under: Aviation • Iran • Military
soundoff (1,349 Responses)
  1. TheAntiChrist

    The fuselage was made from plywood from russia.

    February 10, 2013 at 12:53 pm | Report abuse |
    • jerry bill

      Do they call it "The Spruce Gosling"?

      February 10, 2013 at 1:45 pm | Report abuse |
  2. wb

    Pilot in photo 6 seems to be saying "I would be honored to die in this piece of crap for you, your majesty".

    February 10, 2013 at 1:24 pm | Report abuse |
  3. kglad

    they need a competent web developer, too. the scrolling images are not confined correctly on the right edge.

    February 10, 2013 at 1:24 pm | Report abuse |
  4. redbaron120288

    what do you want to bet if it can even fly, it starts falling apart. oh look one of the cardboard wings fell off, uh uh now the tail fin fell off. oh no, weve taken a turn for the worst, the engine died, and a light says its overheated. well time to eject, oh no my trash bag parachute didnt open. ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! LOL!!

    February 10, 2013 at 1:36 pm | Report abuse |
    • #41

      Sweet ..trick or treat?

      February 11, 2013 at 1:15 am | Report abuse |
  5. Spike

    No... Heads Up Display ?
    Must be built into the helmet...

    No Landing lights ?
    Must be restricted to daytime VFR only

    Well, at least it does have ample storage space behind the seat for golf clubs and over night bag...

    Well Done !

    February 10, 2013 at 1:41 pm | Report abuse |
  6. neutral_observer

    One thing to understand: In Islam, "saving face" is more important than "the truth". This has been studied in length. They will say ANYTHING in an attempt to gain statuus among their own. What is real or truthfull is irrelevant to them.

    February 10, 2013 at 1:49 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Spec5

    good looks like i could take it down with a 10/22

    February 10, 2013 at 1:53 pm | Report abuse |
  8. Ric

    An expensive paper plane.

    February 10, 2013 at 1:55 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Ric

    Fun to see the guy barely fits in this crapper.

    February 10, 2013 at 1:57 pm | Report abuse |
  10. GJ

    So, they plan to fly this with a sling shot and hope Allah it glides? Good luck.

    February 10, 2013 at 2:04 pm | Report abuse |
    • Nellore S. Venkataraman

      It cannot glide even one foot even with Allah's help. Look at its shape.

      February 10, 2013 at 2:18 pm | Report abuse |
  11. Balls of Steel

    That fighter jet better have a great ejection seat.

    February 10, 2013 at 2:04 pm | Report abuse |
  12. nonyabidnes2

    Looks like a Iranian pilot under glass. hahaha..

    February 10, 2013 at 2:11 pm | Report abuse |
  13. Nellore S. Venkatsraman

    I am an aerospace engineer. To me if definistely is a plastic or fiberglass mockup

    February 10, 2013 at 2:14 pm | Report abuse |
  14. saywhat

    Chances are that Netanyahu & Co would soon be kicking some you know what in Congress for more dole outs & hard ware.

    February 10, 2013 at 2:18 pm | Report abuse |
  15. Singularity0

    Look at pic# 6 and sing with me...

    "It's got a CD player, player, player, player...."

    February 10, 2013 at 2:26 pm | Report abuse |
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