U2 questions

[squeakie]

Over the years that Viet Nam was “hot”, there were quite a few different reconnaissance and intelligence gathering platforms running around in country and up north. Most of them were highly classified and any information from or about them was on a strict “need to know” basis.

The SR-71 was undoubtedly the fastest of the bunch at approximately 2,000 mph. They were operated by Strategic Air Command under the code name Giant Scale and flew most missions with the hot area over the North. They only flew over the south to get repositioned for another run up north. They maintained strict radio silence and were high and fast enough that nobody on the ground would even know that they were there.

The RF-101 and RF-4s were operated by Tactical Air Command and flew both North and South, some at fairly low level and some quite a bit higher. The data that they collected wasn’t quite as close hold as Giant Scale, but still was classified.

The U-2s were operated by SAC and flew some North missions early on, but were prohibited from flying North after the NVA started deploying SA-2 SAMs. After that, they flew mostly Laos and Cambodia missions.

The Ryan Firebee drones flew mostly North missions, especially when we were not bombing up there. They were also operated by SAC.

There were several other USAF ops that I didn’t know much about, such as Igloo White where they dropped acoustic sensors all over the logistic routes trying to keep track of truck traffic.

I don’t know anything at all about the Navy and Army recce efforts.

Darwin, O.F. [alien]

The IW sensors were dropped from everything from choppers to airplanes, and there were several different kinds. Some were even planted by hand. One even looked like a leaf. Some picked up the vibration of footsteps and some homed in on sound from voiced. One kind that I’ve seen actually counted whatever triggered it, and was retrieved in the field.

I only saw one F101 all the time I was in country, and the one thing I remember most about it was how quiet it was.

gary

[rotorwash]

Thanks guys for keeping the info coming! You’ve confirmed what I read about the size difference between C’s and rR’s. There sure was alot of classified work that went on during VN. makes me wonder what we’re up to now out in the desert!

Ray

[yardbird78]

There sure was alot of classified work that went on during VN. makes me wonder what were up to know out in the desert! Ray

If I told you, then I would have to kill you. Whoever told me would have to kill me. [%-)] Oh well, The fun of working in Intelligence. Unfortunately, the very nature of the game requires pretty strict secrecy on hardware, it’s capabilities, when, where and how it is being used.

Darwin, O.F. [alien]

[upnorth]

One of these Special Hobby kits might be of help in getting you to a U-2R in 1/72:

http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=SH72070

http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=SH72024

Here’s a bit of a peek into the Special Hobby kit box:

http://www.internetmodeler.com/2001/december/first-looks/specialhobby_tr1a.htm

[bondoman]

I went back to the photos I mentioned earlier, and here is a photo that ikar01 posted, taken at RTAFB Korat in 1974. Looks to me like an A/B/C (?)

[squeakie]

I went back to the photos I mentioned earlier, and here is a photo that ikar01 posted, taken at RTAFB Korat in 1974. Looks to me like an A/B/C (?)

That’s the biggest revetment I’ve ever seen!

gary

[yardbird78]

It is very difficult to tell for sure, but judging by the oveall proportions, the location of air vents on the fuselage and the lack of the conspicuous bulge on the bottom of the main gear doors, I would say that this photo is of an R model.

Darwin, O.F. [alien]

[rotorwash]

Thanks guys for keeping the info coming. I appreciate the photograph as well. Man, i wish dad had brought that roll of film back to the states! I’ll let you know which kit I get and if i ever get er done!

Ray

[Gordon_D_King]

This has nothing to do with building a model but with the secrecy of them. A friend of mine flew U-2s for many years. He is still forbidden to talk about his missions even though he has been out of the Air Force for more than 20 years. One time when we were chatting he did tell me about the fun he and other pilots had with the air defense systems when they flew missions from Alaska to the lower 48. They would purposely fly low enough to trigger alerts then go back up to altitude and watch the interceptors try to reach them. He would never say what those missions were or what model he was flying. He did say that some day he hopes to be allowed to write a book them them.

[yardbird78]

If and when they ever retire the Dragon Lady, he will be able to write his book. By that time, his grandkids will probably be doing the writing. The SR-71 was classified and extremely sensitive while it was still flying. Once it was retired, all kinds of photos and books started coming out of the woodwork.

Darwin, O.F. [alien]

[ikar01]

This photo was taken at korat but the aircraft was based at U-Tapao. When I was there they wsed to launch one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

this one is taxiing at U-T.

The reventment size depended on the type of aircraft it housed.

this is that same wall.

[dirtball]

WOW ! How did you manage to get outcountry with that pic?? Every time I was NEAR the flightline with acamera, the SP`s would pull the film out if the BIRD was out of the hanger. BTW, when were you there? I was in PRE LOAD 70-71. Thats where I got my nick name…

[ikar01]

I got to U-Tapao in Sept. 1971 and was at Korat in 1974 after a fun filled 14 months at Dover which included the Yom Kippur War.

The pictures were easy to get. At Korat about all you needed was a flightline pass from the information office and a linebadge. Here’s a shot of the same area from a recon flight on the H-43.

At U-T you had to be a little more cautious. It also helped if you knew people. As for what I did… When I got drafted I thought it might be better if I was armed, just in case.

Here’s a shot from Korat’s F-111 reventments:

If you want more posted, let me know.

[squeakie]

I got to U-Tapao in Sept. 1971 and was at Korat in 1974 after a fun filled 14 months at Dover which included the Yom Kippur War.

The pictures were easy to get. At Korat about all you needed was a flightline pass from the information office and a linebadge. Here’s a shot of the same area from a recon flight on the H-43.

At U-T you had to be a little more cautious. It also helped if you knew people. As for what I did… When I got drafted I thought it might be better if I was armed, just in case.

Here’s a shot from Korat’s F-111 reventments:

If you want more posted, let me know.

I was just gonna say “no F-111 pics!” Also no F-105G pics as well"

gary

[rotorwash]

Wow, this thread has certainly gotten a lot more attention than I figured it would initially. Thanks for all the info and pics. i am all about photographs (I’ve probably posted hundreds in the helo forum) It’s just that i ain’t got nothing relevant to this topic. I would really appreciate any more U2 pics of 68-69 vintage, but I am very grateful for what i have gotten so far. The info is greatly appreciated. By the way, anyone know what a good price for the Italeri 1/48 U2R kit would be?

Thanks,

Ray

[bondoman]

Ikar01, as I recall you had a great collection of F-111 photos. Trust me, people will be standing up for those. I’d post them, but respect your control of the narrative.

[bondoman]

ikar01-see my pm!

[ikar01]

I’ll be posting the requested shots plus more in some new threads later on today. In the mean time, try these:

Korat’s flightline at night:

Fly cammo air, fishtailing all the way to Bangkok.

We weren’t lucky enough to get a luxurious C-130 that trip.