The History of Big Safari

The History of Big Safari

Author: Colonel Bill Grimes, USAF Retired

Publisher: Archway Publishing

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 487

ISBN-13: 1480804568

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For more than half a century, Big Safari-modified aircraft have performed dangerous and essential missions to collect intelligence, conduct surveillance and reconnaissance, and engage in special operations missions around the globe in the interest of national security. These state-of-the-art aircraft have been flown, operated, and maintained by men and women whose dedication and commitment have made the world a safer place. In The History of Big Safari, author Colonel Bill Grimes, a retired US Air Force officer, presents a history of this program, which has been in existence for more than sixty years. Born as a special acquisition program in 1952, Big Safari has been in a unique position to save lives by rapidly fielding essential systems with a quick-reaction capability to ensure decision makers on the battlefield and at the Pentagon have timely intelligence to plan and execute operations. Grimes shows how, without a special acquisition program such as Big Safari, the nation's ability to react to evolving dangers and threats would be mired in bureaucracy when timely responses are critical. With detailed cutaway illustrations revealing aircraft modifications and mission equipment, The History of Big Safari also includes photographs, sidebars, and anecdotes. It goes behind the scenes with the men and women who participated in the challenging projects and daring missions. It shares the development of cutting-edge technology and special mission aircraft, as well as the global events that necessitated these once-classified programs. Finally, it provides insight into long-veiled projects, operations, and missions that comprise the world under the purview of Big Safari.


Book Synopsis The History of Big Safari by : Colonel Bill Grimes, USAF Retired

Download or read book The History of Big Safari written by Colonel Bill Grimes, USAF Retired and published by Archway Publishing. This book was released on 2014 with total page 487 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For more than half a century, Big Safari-modified aircraft have performed dangerous and essential missions to collect intelligence, conduct surveillance and reconnaissance, and engage in special operations missions around the globe in the interest of national security. These state-of-the-art aircraft have been flown, operated, and maintained by men and women whose dedication and commitment have made the world a safer place. In The History of Big Safari, author Colonel Bill Grimes, a retired US Air Force officer, presents a history of this program, which has been in existence for more than sixty years. Born as a special acquisition program in 1952, Big Safari has been in a unique position to save lives by rapidly fielding essential systems with a quick-reaction capability to ensure decision makers on the battlefield and at the Pentagon have timely intelligence to plan and execute operations. Grimes shows how, without a special acquisition program such as Big Safari, the nation's ability to react to evolving dangers and threats would be mired in bureaucracy when timely responses are critical. With detailed cutaway illustrations revealing aircraft modifications and mission equipment, The History of Big Safari also includes photographs, sidebars, and anecdotes. It goes behind the scenes with the men and women who participated in the challenging projects and daring missions. It shares the development of cutting-edge technology and special mission aircraft, as well as the global events that necessitated these once-classified programs. Finally, it provides insight into long-veiled projects, operations, and missions that comprise the world under the purview of Big Safari.

From Kites to Cold War

From Kites to Cold War

Author: Tyler W Morton

Publisher: Naval Institute Press

Published: 2019-10-15

Total Pages: 328

ISBN-13: 168247481X

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From Kites to Cold War tells the story of the evolution of manned airborne reconnaissance. Long a desire of military commanders, the ability to see the terrain ahead and gain foreknowledge of enemy intent was realized when Chinese airmen mounted kites to surveil their surroundings. Kite technology was slow to spread, and by the late nineteenth century European nations had developed the balloon and airship to conduct this mission. By 1918, it was obvious that the airplane had become the reconnaissance platform of the future. Used successfully by many nations during the Great War, aircraft technology and capability experienced its most rapid evolutionary period during World War II. Entering the war with just basic airborne imagery capabilities, by V-E and V-J days, air power pioneers greatly improved imagery collection and developed sophisticated airborne signals intelligence collection capabilities. The United States and other nations put these capabilities to use as the Cold War immediately followed. Flying near the periphery of and sometimes directly over the Soviet Union, airborne reconnaissance provided the intelligence necessary to stay one step ahead of the Soviets throughout the Cold War.


Book Synopsis From Kites to Cold War by : Tyler W Morton

Download or read book From Kites to Cold War written by Tyler W Morton and published by Naval Institute Press. This book was released on 2019-10-15 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From Kites to Cold War tells the story of the evolution of manned airborne reconnaissance. Long a desire of military commanders, the ability to see the terrain ahead and gain foreknowledge of enemy intent was realized when Chinese airmen mounted kites to surveil their surroundings. Kite technology was slow to spread, and by the late nineteenth century European nations had developed the balloon and airship to conduct this mission. By 1918, it was obvious that the airplane had become the reconnaissance platform of the future. Used successfully by many nations during the Great War, aircraft technology and capability experienced its most rapid evolutionary period during World War II. Entering the war with just basic airborne imagery capabilities, by V-E and V-J days, air power pioneers greatly improved imagery collection and developed sophisticated airborne signals intelligence collection capabilities. The United States and other nations put these capabilities to use as the Cold War immediately followed. Flying near the periphery of and sometimes directly over the Soviet Union, airborne reconnaissance provided the intelligence necessary to stay one step ahead of the Soviets throughout the Cold War.

Emergency War Plan

Emergency War Plan

Author: Sean M. Maloney

Publisher: U of Nebraska Press

Published: 2021-02

Total Pages: 446

ISBN-13: 1640124179

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Emergency War Plan examines the theory and practice of American nuclear deterrence and its evolution during the Cold War. Previous examinations of nuclear strategy during this time have, for the most part, categorized American efforts as "massive retaliation" and "mutually assured destruction," blunt instruments to be casually dismissed in favor of more flexible approaches or summed up in inflammatory and judgmental terms like "MAD." These descriptors evolved into slogans, and any nuanced discussion of the efficacy of the actual strategies withered due to a variety of political and social factors. Drawing on newly released weapons effects information along with new information about Soviet capabilities as well as risky and covert espionage missions, Emergency War Plan provides a completely new examination of American nuclear deterrence strategy during the first fifteen years of the Cold War, the first such study since the 1980s. Ultimately what emerges is a picture of a gargantuan and potentially devastating enterprise that was understood at the time by the public in only the vaguest terms but that was not as out of control as has been alleged and was more nuanced than previously understood.


Book Synopsis Emergency War Plan by : Sean M. Maloney

Download or read book Emergency War Plan written by Sean M. Maloney and published by U of Nebraska Press. This book was released on 2021-02 with total page 446 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Emergency War Plan examines the theory and practice of American nuclear deterrence and its evolution during the Cold War. Previous examinations of nuclear strategy during this time have, for the most part, categorized American efforts as "massive retaliation" and "mutually assured destruction," blunt instruments to be casually dismissed in favor of more flexible approaches or summed up in inflammatory and judgmental terms like "MAD." These descriptors evolved into slogans, and any nuanced discussion of the efficacy of the actual strategies withered due to a variety of political and social factors. Drawing on newly released weapons effects information along with new information about Soviet capabilities as well as risky and covert espionage missions, Emergency War Plan provides a completely new examination of American nuclear deterrence strategy during the first fifteen years of the Cold War, the first such study since the 1980s. Ultimately what emerges is a picture of a gargantuan and potentially devastating enterprise that was understood at the time by the public in only the vaguest terms but that was not as out of control as has been alleged and was more nuanced than previously understood.

Time Safari

Time Safari

Author: David Drake

Publisher:

Published: 1989

Total Pages: 276

ISBN-13: 9780671698126

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Hot-blooded dinosaurs and cold-blooded sex do not mix; no one knows that better than time-safari leader Henry Vickers. That is one reason why he is the most successful hunting leader. But this time he has to deal with the deadliest threat on two legs--a tough, beautiful woman with whom Henry is deeply in love.


Book Synopsis Time Safari by : David Drake

Download or read book Time Safari written by David Drake and published by . This book was released on 1989 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hot-blooded dinosaurs and cold-blooded sex do not mix; no one knows that better than time-safari leader Henry Vickers. That is one reason why he is the most successful hunting leader. But this time he has to deal with the deadliest threat on two legs--a tough, beautiful woman with whom Henry is deeply in love.

Safari

Safari

Author: Bartle Bull

Publisher: Carroll & Graf Pub

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 383

ISBN-13: 9780786716784

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A history of the African safari from its first major expedition in 1836 to the adventures of modern guides shares the experiences of such individuals as Beryl Markham, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway, in an account that evaluates the ethical dilemma faced by hunter-conservationists as well as the African bush's role in weapons development, transportation, and art. Reprint.


Book Synopsis Safari by : Bartle Bull

Download or read book Safari written by Bartle Bull and published by Carroll & Graf Pub. This book was released on 2006 with total page 383 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A history of the African safari from its first major expedition in 1836 to the adventures of modern guides shares the experiences of such individuals as Beryl Markham, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway, in an account that evaluates the ethical dilemma faced by hunter-conservationists as well as the African bush's role in weapons development, transportation, and art. Reprint.

Predator

Predator

Author: Richard Whittle

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Published: 2014-09-16

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 0805099654

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The untold story of the birth of the Predator drone, a wonder weapon that transformed the American military, reshaped modern warfare, and sparked a revolution in aviation The creation of the first weapon in history whose operators can stalk and kill an enemy on the other side of the globe was far more than clever engineering. As Richard Whittle shows in Predator, it was one of the most profound developments in the history of military and aerospace technology. Once considered fragile toys, drones were long thought to be of limited utility. The Predator itself was resisted at nearly every turn by the military establishment, but a few iconoclasts refused to see this new technology smothered at birth. The remarkable cast of characters responsible for developing the Predator includes a former Israeli inventor who turned his Los Angeles garage into a drone laboratory, two billionaire brothers marketing a futuristic weapon to help combat Communism, a pair of fighter pilots willing to buck their white-scarf fraternity, a cunning Pentagon operator nicknamed "Snake," and a secretive Air Force organization known as Big Safari. When an Air Force team unleashed the first lethal drone strikes in 2001 for the CIA, the military's view of drones changed nearly overnight. Based on five years of research and hundreds of interviews, Predator reveals the dramatic inside story of the creation of a revolutionary weapon that forever changed the way we wage war and opened the door to a new age in aviation.


Book Synopsis Predator by : Richard Whittle

Download or read book Predator written by Richard Whittle and published by Henry Holt and Company. This book was released on 2014-09-16 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The untold story of the birth of the Predator drone, a wonder weapon that transformed the American military, reshaped modern warfare, and sparked a revolution in aviation The creation of the first weapon in history whose operators can stalk and kill an enemy on the other side of the globe was far more than clever engineering. As Richard Whittle shows in Predator, it was one of the most profound developments in the history of military and aerospace technology. Once considered fragile toys, drones were long thought to be of limited utility. The Predator itself was resisted at nearly every turn by the military establishment, but a few iconoclasts refused to see this new technology smothered at birth. The remarkable cast of characters responsible for developing the Predator includes a former Israeli inventor who turned his Los Angeles garage into a drone laboratory, two billionaire brothers marketing a futuristic weapon to help combat Communism, a pair of fighter pilots willing to buck their white-scarf fraternity, a cunning Pentagon operator nicknamed "Snake," and a secretive Air Force organization known as Big Safari. When an Air Force team unleashed the first lethal drone strikes in 2001 for the CIA, the military's view of drones changed nearly overnight. Based on five years of research and hundreds of interviews, Predator reveals the dramatic inside story of the creation of a revolutionary weapon that forever changed the way we wage war and opened the door to a new age in aviation.

See It/shoot it

See It/shoot it

Author: Christopher J. Fuller

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2017-01-01

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 0300218540

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An illuminating study tracing the evolution of drone technology and counterterrorism policy from the Reagan to the Obama administrations This eye-opening study uncovers the history of the most important instrument of U.S. counterterrorism today: the armed drone. It reveals that, contrary to popular belief, the CIA's covert drone program is not a product of 9/11. Rather, it is the result of U.S. counterterrorism practices extending back to an influential group of policy makers in the Reagan administration. Tracing the evolution of counterterrorism policy and drone technology from the fallout of Iran-Contra and the CIA's "Eagle Program" prototype in the mid-1980s to the emergence of al-Qaeda, Fuller shows how George W. Bush and Obama built upon or discarded strategies from the Reagan and Clinton eras as they responded to changes in the partisan environment, the perceived level of threat, and technological advances. Examining a range of counterterrorism strategies, he reveals why the CIA's drones became the United States' preferred tool for pursuing the decades-old goal of preemptively targeting anti-American terrorists around the world.


Book Synopsis See It/shoot it by : Christopher J. Fuller

Download or read book See It/shoot it written by Christopher J. Fuller and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2017-01-01 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An illuminating study tracing the evolution of drone technology and counterterrorism policy from the Reagan to the Obama administrations This eye-opening study uncovers the history of the most important instrument of U.S. counterterrorism today: the armed drone. It reveals that, contrary to popular belief, the CIA's covert drone program is not a product of 9/11. Rather, it is the result of U.S. counterterrorism practices extending back to an influential group of policy makers in the Reagan administration. Tracing the evolution of counterterrorism policy and drone technology from the fallout of Iran-Contra and the CIA's "Eagle Program" prototype in the mid-1980s to the emergence of al-Qaeda, Fuller shows how George W. Bush and Obama built upon or discarded strategies from the Reagan and Clinton eras as they responded to changes in the partisan environment, the perceived level of threat, and technological advances. Examining a range of counterterrorism strategies, he reveals why the CIA's drones became the United States' preferred tool for pursuing the decades-old goal of preemptively targeting anti-American terrorists around the world.

Our Robots, Ourselves

Our Robots, Ourselves

Author: David A. Mindell

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2015-10-13

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 0698157664

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“[An] essential book… it is required reading as we seriously engage one of the most important debates of our time.”—Sherry Turkle, author of Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age From drones to Mars rovers—an exploration of the most innovative use of robots today and a provocative argument for the crucial role of humans in our increasingly technological future. In Our Robots, Ourselves, David Mindell offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the cutting edge of robotics today, debunking commonly held myths and exploring the rapidly changing relationships between humans and machines. Drawing on firsthand experience, extensive interviews, and the latest research from MIT and elsewhere, Mindell takes us to extreme environments—high atmosphere, deep ocean, and outer space—to reveal where the most advanced robotics already exist. In these environments, scientists use robots to discover new information about ancient civilizations, to map some of the world’s largest geological features, and even to “commute” to Mars to conduct daily experiments. But these tools of air, sea, and space also forecast the dangers, ethical quandaries, and unintended consequences of a future in which robotics and automation suffuse our everyday lives. Mindell argues that the stark lines we’ve drawn between human and not human, manual and automated, aren’t helpful for understanding our relationship with robotics. Brilliantly researched and accessibly written, Our Robots, Ourselves clarifies misconceptions about the autonomous robot, offering instead a hopeful message about what he calls “rich human presence” at the center of the technological landscape we are now creating.


Book Synopsis Our Robots, Ourselves by : David A. Mindell

Download or read book Our Robots, Ourselves written by David A. Mindell and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2015-10-13 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “[An] essential book… it is required reading as we seriously engage one of the most important debates of our time.”—Sherry Turkle, author of Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age From drones to Mars rovers—an exploration of the most innovative use of robots today and a provocative argument for the crucial role of humans in our increasingly technological future. In Our Robots, Ourselves, David Mindell offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the cutting edge of robotics today, debunking commonly held myths and exploring the rapidly changing relationships between humans and machines. Drawing on firsthand experience, extensive interviews, and the latest research from MIT and elsewhere, Mindell takes us to extreme environments—high atmosphere, deep ocean, and outer space—to reveal where the most advanced robotics already exist. In these environments, scientists use robots to discover new information about ancient civilizations, to map some of the world’s largest geological features, and even to “commute” to Mars to conduct daily experiments. But these tools of air, sea, and space also forecast the dangers, ethical quandaries, and unintended consequences of a future in which robotics and automation suffuse our everyday lives. Mindell argues that the stark lines we’ve drawn between human and not human, manual and automated, aren’t helpful for understanding our relationship with robotics. Brilliantly researched and accessibly written, Our Robots, Ourselves clarifies misconceptions about the autonomous robot, offering instead a hopeful message about what he calls “rich human presence” at the center of the technological landscape we are now creating.

Super Snoopers

Super Snoopers

Author: Bob Archer

Publisher: Fonthill Media

Published: 2020-07-21

Total Pages: 695

ISBN-13:

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The US Air Force has performed peripheral reconnaissance adjacent to the traditional foe of Russia, China, North Korea and others for seven decades. Evolving from rudimentary aircraft to an unprecedented level of sophistication, the current, elderly airframes boast unmatched performance. The book details the aircraft, equipment, sensors, air bases involved, and limited operational details-as much remains highly classified. Additionally, stories by the personnel involved, who have flown these mission, and often faced their quarry at very close range. The majority of aircraft involved are the Boeing C-135 series, including more than 100 different airframes, of 48 different versions. Missions include strategic intelligence, airborne command and control, treaty compliance, Open Skies, weather reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, and transportation. Details the different aircraft missions, bewildering programme names, operating locations, and flying units involved. Background support organisations are presented. A potted history of every aircraft involved is included, together with units operated, and designations applied. Sixty years of operations, which continue to this day, are mostly shrouded in secrecy. A cat and mouse adventure, throughout the Cold War, into the new peace dividend, and now in the face of renewed Russian aggression. The veil of secrecy is lifted, ever so slightly!


Book Synopsis Super Snoopers by : Bob Archer

Download or read book Super Snoopers written by Bob Archer and published by Fonthill Media. This book was released on 2020-07-21 with total page 695 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The US Air Force has performed peripheral reconnaissance adjacent to the traditional foe of Russia, China, North Korea and others for seven decades. Evolving from rudimentary aircraft to an unprecedented level of sophistication, the current, elderly airframes boast unmatched performance. The book details the aircraft, equipment, sensors, air bases involved, and limited operational details-as much remains highly classified. Additionally, stories by the personnel involved, who have flown these mission, and often faced their quarry at very close range. The majority of aircraft involved are the Boeing C-135 series, including more than 100 different airframes, of 48 different versions. Missions include strategic intelligence, airborne command and control, treaty compliance, Open Skies, weather reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, and transportation. Details the different aircraft missions, bewildering programme names, operating locations, and flying units involved. Background support organisations are presented. A potted history of every aircraft involved is included, together with units operated, and designations applied. Sixty years of operations, which continue to this day, are mostly shrouded in secrecy. A cat and mouse adventure, throughout the Cold War, into the new peace dividend, and now in the face of renewed Russian aggression. The veil of secrecy is lifted, ever so slightly!

USAFE Tactical Units in the United Kingdom in the Cold War 1950 to 1992

USAFE Tactical Units in the United Kingdom in the Cold War 1950 to 1992

Author: Doug Gordon

Publisher: Fonthill Media

Published: 2022-07-02

Total Pages: 566

ISBN-13:

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— With the recent invasion of Ukraine and a new Cold War between Russia and NATO, this is a timely evaluation of USAF operations between 1950 and 1992 — Aircraft of the period are covered in exhaustive detail from the F-86 Sabre to the Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt, including the F-84 Thunderstreak, the F-100 Super Sabre, the F-4 Phantom the F-111 Aardvark and more — Gloriously illustrated with 459 images (166 colour), many of which are rare or unpublished from private collections — Of interest to aviation and military historians, modellers, flight enthusiasts and gamers such as IL-2, War Thunder and DCS USAFE Tactical Units in the United Kingdom in the Cold War 1950 to 1992 contains a history of all United States Air Force Tactical Air Command flying units that were resident in the United Kingdom during the period 1950 to 1992. 'From the cockpit' testimony from aircrew who were assigned to the individual squadrons and wings is an integral part of the narrative, which is which is supported by 459 images, 166 of which are in colour. The tactical nuclear mission was central to the operations of many of the UK-based units and is covered in detail from its beginnings in 1952 with the arrival the 20th TFW and the 47th Bombardment Wing to the adoption by NATO of the doctrine of ‘Flexible Response’ and the eventual end of the Cold War. Also included are sections on the units that were temporarily deployed to the United Kingdom in support of the USAF and NATO operations. The comprehensive appendices contain essays on individual aircraft development, international events that had a direct bearing on the missions and deployments of the individual units, the support aircraft used by the wings, maps and tables.


Book Synopsis USAFE Tactical Units in the United Kingdom in the Cold War 1950 to 1992 by : Doug Gordon

Download or read book USAFE Tactical Units in the United Kingdom in the Cold War 1950 to 1992 written by Doug Gordon and published by Fonthill Media. This book was released on 2022-07-02 with total page 566 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: — With the recent invasion of Ukraine and a new Cold War between Russia and NATO, this is a timely evaluation of USAF operations between 1950 and 1992 — Aircraft of the period are covered in exhaustive detail from the F-86 Sabre to the Fairchild A-10 Thunderbolt, including the F-84 Thunderstreak, the F-100 Super Sabre, the F-4 Phantom the F-111 Aardvark and more — Gloriously illustrated with 459 images (166 colour), many of which are rare or unpublished from private collections — Of interest to aviation and military historians, modellers, flight enthusiasts and gamers such as IL-2, War Thunder and DCS USAFE Tactical Units in the United Kingdom in the Cold War 1950 to 1992 contains a history of all United States Air Force Tactical Air Command flying units that were resident in the United Kingdom during the period 1950 to 1992. 'From the cockpit' testimony from aircrew who were assigned to the individual squadrons and wings is an integral part of the narrative, which is which is supported by 459 images, 166 of which are in colour. The tactical nuclear mission was central to the operations of many of the UK-based units and is covered in detail from its beginnings in 1952 with the arrival the 20th TFW and the 47th Bombardment Wing to the adoption by NATO of the doctrine of ‘Flexible Response’ and the eventual end of the Cold War. Also included are sections on the units that were temporarily deployed to the United Kingdom in support of the USAF and NATO operations. The comprehensive appendices contain essays on individual aircraft development, international events that had a direct bearing on the missions and deployments of the individual units, the support aircraft used by the wings, maps and tables.