Aerial reconnaissance
Videos
Aerial reconnaissance is reconnaissance for a military or strategic purpose that is conducted using reconnaissance aircraft. The role of reconnaissance can fulfil a variety of requirements including a
A USAAF photo-reconnaissance Lockheed F-5 Lightning in flight over Europe circa June 1944. It is marked with invasion stripes to help Allied troops clearly identify it as an Allied plane.
Pigeon with German miniature camera, during the First World War
A B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft of the RFC with an aerial reconnaissance camera fixed to the side of the fuselage, 1916
A German observation plane, the Rumpler Taube
Ryan Model 147
Videos
The Ryan Model 147 Lightning Bug is a jet-powered drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle, produced and developed by Ryan Aeronautical from the earlier Ryan Firebee target drone series.
Ryan Model 147 "Lightning Bug" low-altitude reconnaissance drone (AQM-34L) at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Ryan Aeronautical company artist's concept rendering of the "Lucy Lee" high-altitude reconnaissance drone proposal, circa 1961
Lightning Bug hit by SAM
S-75 missile in flight, captured by drone camera