[Mobhack]

The observation aircraft is a slow propellor driven plane, which makes several small circles over the point of interest. Therefore - it will do for an RPV in later years as well.

It represents a small observation aircraft with direct radio contact with the battlegroup, or an RPV with a control truck at battle group HQ.

Jets do not make small circles over the battlefield, nor do they emit propellor noises while doing so, and the speeds allowed for RPV/OP planes are too low for jets also.

Jet recce aircraft are typically theatre level assets, and do not inject data to the battle group HQ level. Rather the results are taken at theatre (wheter by datalink or by developing the photographs) and filtered down as part of the integrated intel reports. In other words, if the thing spots units - you should not get the "instant" report that the observation plane/RPF gives you, it would be highly unrealistic. Jets also do faster speeds that prop jobs - this affects AAA fire.

It would also be silly to use a helo icon as an "observation plane", as the light helo class already exists for this purpose, and is completely under player control (can land or hover, may be able to carry small scout parties etc).

Cheers
Andy