# Crystal Peak --- > [!QUOTE]+ The definitive knowledge repository for Aerospace Open-Source Intelligence > ![[Crystal_Peak_Logo2.png]] > [!TLDR] **Crystal Peak** is the public knowledge base for AEROSINT—the systematic practice of tracking, identifying, and analyzing military and special-mission aircraft using open-source methods. > - Free, permanent reference infrastructure > - 50+ aircraft profiles, operator analyses, methodology guides > - Built by practitioners, for practitioners ## What is AEROSINT? > **Aerospace Open-Source Intelligence (AEROSINT)** is the discipline of mapping defense aviation programs using publicly available information—flight tracking, registration databases, satellite imagery, and systematic analysis. > [!QUOTE] Thousands of people already do this work: > - Tracking military aircraft on ADSBexchange and FlightRadar24 > - Researching tail numbers and operator histories > - Investigating special-mission platforms and ISR programs > > > [!HINT] They just didn't have a name for it. *AEROSINT is that name.* > Crystal Peak is the knowledge infrastructure supporting this emerging category. --- ## What You'll Find Here > [!INFO]+ **Aircraft Database** > Tail numbers, registration histories, operator profiles, and mission analysis for C-32B Gatekeeper, special mission King Airs, ISR platforms, and other noteworthy aircraft. > > **Start here:** [[Central AEROSINT Tracking Center|CATC]] > [!INFO]+ **AEROSINT Methodology Guides** > Frameworks for aircraft identification, payload analysis, operator profiling, and flight pattern tracking. > > **Learn the system:** [[AEROSINT Methodology]] *(coming soon)* > [!INFO]+ **Operator & Program Profiles** > Living profiles on organizations, programs, and aviation networks: > - [[JANET Airlines]] - (semi)-Classified transport network > - [[Cargo Aircraft Management INC]] - Large Cargo Aircraft Owner > - [[Aerial Survey Aircraft]] - Specialized survey platforms > - [[Aerial Emergency Response Aircraft]] - Emergency/disaster response fleets > [!INFO]+ **The Changelog** - An Ongoing Feed of Recent Vault Updates > > > [!Quote]- Track what's new: Recent aircraft additions, updated profiles, and vault expansions > ![[The Changelog]]Changelog]] --- ## Why Crystal Peak Exists > The defense and aerospace establishment operates behind layers of classification--some legitimate, much of it not. Operational security matters. But when bureaucracies classify routine aircraft movements and program details to avoid oversight rather than protect sources and methods, **opacity becomes a tool of unaccountability**. > > The result: programs that underperform for years before anyone notices. Capabilities that taxpayers fund but can't verify. Billions in defense spending with minimal civilian scrutiny. > > Here's what they don't tell you: **80% of defense intelligence is discoverable through systematic open-source analysis**--if you know where to look. Flight tracking, registration archives, satellite imagery. All legal. All unclassified. > *Crystal Peak* shows you where to look, teaches you the methodology, and documents what's been found. Not to compromise security, but to make public information actually accessible. --- ## How to Use Crystal Peak > [!INFO] If you're new to AEROSINT: > Start with **[[Central AEROSINT Tracking Center|CATC]]** to see what's being tracked. Explore operator profiles like [[JANET Airlines]] to understand the depth of open-source research. > [!INFO] If you're an active tracker: > Use Crystal Peak as reference infrastructure. Verify tail numbers, cross-reference operator histories, validate your findings against documented profiles. > [!INFO] If you want full analysis: > Crystal Peak shows **what** exists. [**JANN Premium**](https://jann.substack.com/subscribe) shows **why it matters**—with weekly intelligence briefings and monthly deep-dive investigations. > [!INFO] If you need custom research: **Applied Information Services** provides AEROSINT training, custom aircraft investigations, and advisory support for journalists, analysts, and organizations. *Launching Q2 2026.* --- ## The Applied Ecosystem > **Crystal Peak** is the free knowledge foundation. It supports: > > - **[JANN](https://jann.substack.com)** - Weekly AEROSINT publication with deep-dive investigations ($7.57/month) > - **[Applied Information Services](https://www.appliedinformationservices.com/)** - Custom research, training, and advisory services for professionals *(Q2 2026)* **Free users stay on Crystal Peak forever** (and that's fine—you drive discovery and category growth). **Subscribers get the analysis** behind the data (registration histories, mission profiles, operator details). **Organizations hire Applied** for custom intelligence work (tailored research, training programs, retainer support). Each tier serves the AEROSINT community at different stages of maturity. --- ## Contributing Crystal Peak grows through community intelligence. If you've tracked aircraft that aren't documented here, or have operator information to share, contact us: > [!INFO] **📥 Email:** [email protected] All contributions are vetted for accuracy and sourcing before publication. --- ## Support This Work > [!INFO] *Crystal Peak is free and will remain free. If you find value here:* > 1. **Subscribe to JANN:** [Get weekly AEROSINT briefings](https://jann.substack.com/subscribe) > 2. **Spread the word:** Share Crystal Peak with other AEROSINT practitioners > 3. **Connect:** [Twitter/X: @JANN_IIS](https://twitter.com/JANN_IIS) | [LinkTree](https://linktr.ee/JANN_IIS) --- **Crystal Peak** | Built on [[Obsidian]] | Maintained by **[Applied Information Services](https://www.appliedinformationservices.com)**