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!