Reconnaissance aircraft facts for kids

A USAF SR-71 high-flying spy plane

A reconnaissance aircraft is a special kind of military aircraft. People often call it a spy plane. Its main job is to fly over areas and gather information. This information can be pictures, electronic signals, or other data.

These planes help armies learn about enemy movements and plans. Modern spy planes, including drones, can even send information back right away. This helps military forces make quick decisions.

Before radar was invented, spy planes were very important. They helped soldiers see what the enemy was doing from above. For example, during World War II, PBY Catalina planes helped the Allies. A group of these planes spotted the Japanese fleet near Midway Island. This sighting started the famous Battle of Midway.

History of Spy Planes

The USAF's RC-135U Combat Sent plane collects electronic signals.

People tried to use things that could fly for spying even before planes existed. During the Napoleonic Wars and Franco-Prussian War, the French used balloons. These balloons floated high up to watch enemy forces.

Spy Planes in World War I

In World War I, aircraft were first used as the "eyes of the army". They helped ground forces by flying over battlefields. From this time until 1945, most spy planes were regular fighter or bomber planes. They were changed to carry film cameras. By the end of World War II, taking photos became the main way spy planes gathered information.

World War I also saw the use of floatplanes. These planes could land on water and were used to find enemy warships. After a big sea battle called the Battle of Jutland, ships started carrying their own small planes. These planes could scout for enemy ships far away. They could also help aim the ship's big guns. After World War II, helicopters took over this job.

Spy Planes in the Cold War

After World War II, during the Cold War, the United States built special spy planes. These included the U-2 and SR-71. Their mission was to watch the nuclear weapons of the Soviet Union. Other spy planes were built for specific tasks. They collected signals intelligence and monitored electronic communications. Examples include the RB-47 and Boeing RC-135. Even Ryan Model 147 drones were used.

Modern Spy Technology

Since the Cold War, much of the long-range spying is done by satellites. Shorter-range spying is often done by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. Countries like Israel and the United States have used drones successfully. For example, drones were very helpful during the Desert Storm operations.

See also

In Spanish: Avión de reconocimiento para niños

A ScanEagle spy drone launching from its catapult.

• Aerial reconnaissance
• Surveillance aircraft
• List of United States Air Force reconnaissance aircraft
• Maritime patrol aircraft
• Observation seaplane