An Illustrated Data Guide to Modern Reconnaissance Aircraft

Looks at the different types of reconnaissance craft and spy planes used in military operations, providing information about the planes' history, dimensions, weights, and performance. A compact illustrated directory with full details and specifications . Timely knowledge of the enemy's dispositions and strengths has always been a key to the deduction of his intentions and the creation of counter-plans, and from the time of WWI reconnaissance to yield such knowledge has become increasingly vital on military thinking. Since the end of WWII the use of aircraft for reconnaissance purposes has proliferated not so much in numerical terms of the aircraft involved but in the versatility of the reconnaissance that can now be provided through electronic and infra-red as well as optical means. Garnered by advanced sensors and processed by high-speed computers on board the reconnaissance aeroplane, the reconnaissance data can now be relayed in real time to the user force by means of a data link system. Moreover, the availability of advanced sensors and processors allows such aircraft to undertake other roles including command of friendly forces and disruption of the enemy's efforts.