The Role of Aviation in the Cold War: Spies, Surveillance, and Stealth
The Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union from 1947 to 1991, was characterized by a relentless arms race, espionage, and technological innovation. Aviation played a pivotal role in this era, serving as a critical tool for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and strategic deterrence. From high-altitude spy planes to stealth technology, the skies became a battleground for supremacy, shaping the course of history and laying the foundation for modern aerospace advancements. This article explores the fascinating role of aviation in the Cold War, focusing on spies, surveillance, and stealth. This image illustrates the critical role of aviation during the Cold War, highlighting high-altitude spy planes, stealth technology, aerial reconnaissance, and space-based surveillance that shaped modern aerospace advancements. The High-Altitude Spy Plane Era The U-2 Spy Plane The Lockheed U-2, developed by the United States in the 1...