One for Kit, methinks....
The June issue of Aeroplane Magazine has a section on the Cold War which features an article on secret Canberra flights with early LOROP cameras, and even includes some rare pictures of the 'Robin' camera both on it's own and fitted to a Canberra. It also has mission details (partly extrapolated from limited evidence) and a consideration of the Kapustin Yar overflight story, which it's skeptical about.
Thanks H, I'd already seen it actually. :thumbsup:
A very interesting article, that same modified B2 pops up all over the place. It always amazed me why they didn't use a PR7 as it was much more suited to the task, but that's the RAF for you. ;D
Spending a week in the UK visiting my parents and bought a copy of the June Aeroplane to read this article.
Jolly interesting too, although I would have liked some more info on the Camera and Mods carried out to the Canberra itself.
Incidentally I gave the article to my dad to read (he's ex Canberra PR pilot and had flown with 58Sqn) so imagine my surprise when he turns round and says "I flew a couple of the Robin missions round the Med when I was on 58Sqn"
He also said the the top secret camera hole in the side of the Bomb bay was covered with a bright red plate to hide the lens from prying eyes, which the pilot had to get out of the aircraft and remove at the end of the runway prior to take off. He also said that on the Med. flights they didn't have the 2nd contrail spotter aircraft with them as it was considered not necessary.
Ill see if he can find his log book, could be interesting :mellow:
Regards
Keith.
Quote from: TallEng on June 04, 2018, 01:44:03 PM
Ill see if he can find his log book, could be interesting :mellow:
You're not kidding! :thumbsup: ;D