Hi-speed photography

[GunnyGene]

Before satellites and digital photography, this is how we provided the ground units with the view from above. Map making and target ID the old fashioned way. This is the RF8A Crusader, photo recon aircraft that my first Squadron (VMCJ-3, joined them in Jan '64) flew prior to and during VN. Film would be developed and pictures delivered to whoever had requested them along with the location (no GPS then either) within a few hours of the aircraft RTB. Sometimes that meant a airdrop into a hot zone. These birds were capable of mach 1.4 in level flight. No armament, and no escorts in VN. All they had was speed. We never lost one in the year+ we spent in country, flying out of Danang.

[cooperhawk]

My first day on the position as a brand new Air Traffic Controller, I was in the data position of the Brooke/Patuxent High Altitude Sector when we hear this call over guard, "mayday, mayday, mayday, midair, midair, midair", then silence. Next we heard, "Washington Center, Teakettle one, one, six, we are a Navy helo over the bay and we have parachutes and debris coming down through the overcast".

We later learned that two F8s were maneuvering over the bay in the Restricted Area and had suffered a mid air collision. One pilot ejected and was fished out of the water, but the other went in with the aircraft and was killed. The second chute seen was a drogue from the damaged AC.

They were both out of Andrews AFB, or as it's now called Joint Base Andrews. They were DC Air Guard pilots.

Some time later I visited them at ADW and sat in a photo recon bird. I was impressed with how small the cockpit was. I always have liked the F8. "The Last Gunfighter".

Some things one never forgets. Almost like some of the radio traffic I heard in VN.

[cooperhawk]

One of my favorites was ADM Paul Gilcrist.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_T._Gillcrist
I read his biography a couple of times at least.

[clovishound]

Several years ago I read the book "Spies in the Sky" by Taylor Downing. It was about the development of aerial photography before, and during WWII. It focuses on WWII photo recon by the Brits. It can be a little dry in places, but gives a great background on the subject, along with some really interesting experiences by some of the folks involved in this extremely important aspect of modern warfare. For you Kindle folks, it can be had for a few bucks. Well worth the read IMO.