Reconnaissance aircraft have always been the spearhead of the various
air forces, helping to provide the basis for any further military
operations. At the time of the Cold War and before the satellite era,
the use of reconnaissance aircraft reached its zenith, as the warring
nations were determined to know what was happening on the other side.
Consequently, powerful aircraft emerged during this time, especially in
terms of deployment altitude, speed and flight time; achievements which
have been largely unrecognized until now.