Spy Planes
Spy Planes: Conducting Covert, Clandestine Reconnaissance
The term spy plane is epitomised by the high-performance Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Even today, 22 years after retirement, the SR-71 is still top of the bill of aircraft designed and built for snooping. However, nations that operate any type of 'spy plane' never refer to them as such. Reconnaissance is the word! The RAF is at it, as are the USAF and the US Navy, Russia, China, and the French. All regularly fly missions spying on neighbour and foe alike. But there is a variety of aircraft used for the role, from the menacing looking Blackbird through to small, twin-engine turboprops. This much-anticipated special lifts the lid on them and reveals some really cool aircraft, Spy Planes is an essential read.