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Eyes and Ears in the Sky: USAF Reconnaissance in Southeast Asia

Knowing an enemy's location, activities, intentions and resources has always been important for successful military operations. In the Southeast Asia War, the U.S. Air Force kept a close watch on the enemy and provided critical intelligence through aerial photography and intercepting enemy signals. The USAF also operated a wide variety of reconnaissance aircraft in Southeast Asia, from slow World War II-era C-47s to exotic U-2s and SR-71s.

Click on the following links to learn more about USAF reconnaissance during the Southeast Asia War.

Early USAF Reconnaissance in Southeast Asia
Photo-reconnaissance: Alone, Unarmed and Unafraid
Planes without Pilots: SAC Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)
War over Radio Waves: Signals Intelligence

Click here to return to North Vietnam: Rolling Thunder Overview.

 

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Lockheed U-2A
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