Overview

As WWII closed, the Air Staff decided to preserve the UK's electronic intelligence (ELINT) expertise, resulting in the formation of the Radio Warfare Establishment and later the Central Signals Establishment. A tentative ELINT program was commissioned in 1946 using a small number of Lancaster and Mosquito aircraft specially modified for the task and as relations with the Soviet Union deteriorated, interest focused on the growing Soviet air defense system, with the 1948 Berlin crisis resulting in the first major ELINT program against the Soviet Union's air defenses. During the mid-1950s the Washington and Canberra were introduced as interim ELINT platforms and proposals were made for the use of V.1000, the Shackleton and the Comet for this new and dangerous branch of warfare, often requiring flight close to, or over, hostile territory. Operations against Indonesia and China, and worsening relations with Iran, increased the importance of ELINT operations during the 1960s and 1970s and in the quest for more capable aircraft, the Comet 4 was passed over in favor of the Nimrod. ELINT aircraft proposals including the VC-10 and Airbus are covered, while Listening In also details operations in the Falklands, Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan as the authors draw together, for the first time, a mass of unpublished material to describe the evolution of the secretive ELINT aircraft, their equipment and operations. The story is bought right up-to-date with Project Helix and the controversial decision to scrap the almost complete Nimrod MRA.4 fleet and instead acquire the EC-135R Rivet Joint. A highly detailed work illustrated throughout with over 180 photographs and drawings, Listening In tells the full story of this secret world and it's aircraft (both actual and proposed) and is a natural companion to Chris Gibson's best-selling Vulcan's Hammer and Battle Flight.

Full Product Details

9781902109381

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

In 1978 his interest in aircraft took Chris Gibson into the Royal Observer Corps where he represented his group, area and country in aircraft recognition competitions between 1980 and 1991. On the standing down of the ROC in 1991, Chris began researching historical aviation and has written several books on un-built projects, particularly guided weapons. Dave Forster has been researching Elint and other intelligence subjects for the last 20 years with particular interest in electronic warfare systems. Dave's interest in avionics and their development have led him to cooperate with a number of authors, with his specialist knowledge of the history and technology of the field making him a valued contributor. This has led him to research many of the more technical and scientific aspects of the RAF history including Elint, radiological sampling and navigation systems.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available