During the early part of the Cold War, Strategic Air Command (SAC) wanted to know what Capabilitys the Soviet Union had in regards of radar and its numbers of its air force.
Due to the growing tensions between the west and east, President Truman Forbid any kind of overflights, so SAC turned to Britain for help.
The RAF, keen to show their worth in the "Special Relationship" agreed to crew the american loaned RB-45s.
These Reconnaissance Bombers were already at RAF Sculthorpe and perfect for the Job in hand......
On two different occasions in 1952 and 1954 these first of a kind "spy" overflights took place with three RAF crewed RB-45S flying three routes over the Soviet Union..one crew, piloted by Sqd Leader John Crampton being involved in a dramatic experience!
You can find out more about these missons at the RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre.........
Due to the growing tensions between the west and east, President Truman Forbid any kind of overflights, so SAC turned to Britain for help.
The RAF, keen to show their worth in the "Special Relationship" agreed to crew the american loaned RB-45s.
These Reconnaissance Bombers were already at RAF Sculthorpe and perfect for the Job in hand......
On two different occasions in 1952 and 1954 these first of a kind "spy" overflights took place with three RAF crewed RB-45S flying three routes over the Soviet Union..one crew, piloted by Sqd Leader John Crampton being involved in a dramatic experience!
You can find out more about these missons at the RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre.........
