| Publisher | Archway Publishing |
| Authors | Colonel Bill Grimes, USAF Retired |
| strong> ISBN | 978-1-4804-0456-2(sc), 978-1-4808-0457-9 (e) |
| Book Title | The History of Big Safari |
Publishers Description
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. - See more at:
Archway Publishing Online Store
Review
You may have come across code names like COBRA BALL, COBRA EYE, COMBAT SENT, COMBAT TALON, PACER COIN, PATRICIA LYNN, PIE FACE, RIVET BRASS, RIVET JOINT and SENIOR SCOUT and wondered what on earth it was all about. Well now this book goes into detail on all of these and a whole lot more. It is a real treasure trove of information and surprisingly well illustrated with many black and white photographs and line drawings. Some of the aircraft conversions carried out and the degree of secrecy involved is mind boggling. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a code name for reading this book! This is a must have reference for those who want to learn more about the history of the USAF reconnaissance mission. Highly recommended.
Review and images by Haydn L Hughes
