We Were Never There Volume 1: CIA U-2 Operations over Europe, USSR and the

We Were Never There Volume 1: CIA U-2 Operations over Europe, USSR and the Middle East, 1956-1960


Devised by Kelly Johnson and initially operated by the CIA, the U-2 is the world's most famous 'spyplane.' It flew at unprecedented altitudes and carried the most sophisticated sensors available, all in the greatest secrecy. Operating from remote locations and without markings, they often took-off before first light. Ostensibly operated by civilians flying meteorological research missions, their bold overflights took them far across Eastern Europe, the USSR, Middle and Far East. However, many details of the aircraft's operational history remain vague and a considerable amount is still classified. Continuing national political sensitivities have meant that much about these early operations has still not been fully revealed even more than 60 years later. This book utilises a large number of recently declassified documents to explore the remaining hidden details. It provides in-depth examinations of some missions not previously fully described and include more about Norway's role in U-2 operations, and a breakdown of British U-2 overflights of the Middle East using recently released files from the British Ministry of Defence. It examines some of the U-2's extensive efforts to collect intelligence on Soviet ballistic missile test launches and space program, on 'Fast Move' staging operations and lots more from these missions up to May 1960. Chapters explore some of the ground-breaking technology employed by the U-2 to photograph and eavesdrop on Soviet nuclear, military and industrial activities. These include revealing secrets of the Fili heavy bomber production plant, just five miles from the Kremlin.