1950 ... B-36 on recon over USSR!


... this is a recent photo-illustration project I completed. One of the fun things about these projects is being able to create situations and 'documenting' images that have never been seen before. In the early 1950's, there was a window of opportunity,  when very high altitude reconnaissance flights by 'Peacemakers' over the Soviet Union were possible. 'Featherweight' B-36's [stripped of all guns except for the tail cannon] were able to attain altitudes of 53,000 feet!  At that height triple A, SAM's and even Mig-15 fighters could not harm them. Here we see a pair of Migs skidding past the big bomber in a failing attempt to maneuver in the thin, thin air. If they dare to fire off their guns it will cause a stall and spin to a lower altitude. 

all images- Right click- open in New Window or Tab = super colossal size!






4 comments:

Maga Lenin said...

Awesome! :)

Anonymous said...

B-36 Peacemaker, not Peacekeeper. Peacekeeper is the nickname for the LGM-118 ICBM.

Kurt Burgess said...

Nice subject! For the record, they were unofficially nicknamed, Peacemakers, not Peacekeepers. Sorry, but your illustration is missing the chin radome present on all recon RB-36s.

james vaughan said...

"... drat! No chin radar! Natasha- Moose and Squirrel have foiled us again! Now Fearless leader will never let us have that vacation at Peoples Sun and Fun Resort in Havana!"