The US Air Force has performed peripheral reconnaissance adjacent to the
traditional foes of Russia, China, North Korea and others for seven
decades. Evolving from rudimentary aircraft to an unprecedented level of
sophistication, the current, elderly airframes boast unmatched
performance. The book details the aircraft, equipment, sensors, air
bases involved, and limited operational details--as much remains highly
classified. Additionally, stories by the personnel involved, who have
flown these mission, and often faced their quarry at very close range.
The majority of aircraft involved are the Boeing C-135 series, including
more than 100 different airframes, of 48 different versions. Missions
include strategic intelligence, airborne command and control, treaty
compliance, Open Skies, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, and
transportation. Details the different aircraft missions, bewildering
program names, operating locations, and flying units involved.
Background support organizations are presented. A potted history of
every aircraft involved is included, together with units operated, and
designations applied. Sixty years of operations, which continue to this
day, are mostly shrouded in secrecy. A cat and mouse adventure,
throughout the Cold War, into the new peace dividend, and now in the
face of renewed Russian aggression. The veil of secrecy is lifted, ever
so slightly!
