Listening In: RAF Electronic Intelligence Gathering since 1945

Listening In: RAF Electronic Intelligence Gathering since 1945
Author: Dave Forster & Chris Gibson

Key Points

• Secret reconnaissance aircraft and equipment
• From Lancaster and Washington to Comet and Nimrod
• Previously classified operations from the Falklands, to Iraq and Afghanistan

Description

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 programme was commissioned in 1946 using a small number of Lancaster and Mosquito aircraft specially modifiedfor the task and as relations with the Soviet Union deteriorated, interest focussed on the growing Soviet air defence system, with the 1948 Berlin crisis resulting in the first major ELINT programme against the Soviet Union’s air defences.

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 60s and 70s and in the quest for more capable aircraft, the Comet 4 was passed over in favour of the Nimrod.

ELINT aircraft proposals including the VC‐10 and Airbus are covered, whilst 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operations in the Falklands, Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan as the authors draw together, for the first time, a mass of unpublished material to describe the evolution of the secretive ELINT aircraft, their equipment and operations.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’.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

ISBN: 978 19021 09381
Binding: Hardback
Dimentions: 297mm x 210mm
Pages: 176
Photos/Illus: Over 180
This product will be in stock on Thursday 31. July, 2014.
 
Morning chaps,

Listening In: RAF Electronic Intelligence Gathering since 1945 is the third in the …Since 1945 series from Crecy and is the work of Dave Forster, I merely act as midwife to what is a rather interesting book.

Dave has previously published Sniffing and Bottling: 1323 Flight and its Successors which looked at the activities of 1323 Flight’s Canberras on air sampling missions related to the nuclear weapons tests. Dave and I have also worked on a number of other projects over the years including the Skomer website, Battle Flight and particularly, The Air Staff and AEW. Like me, Dave is an ‘archive rummager’ and has a comprehensive collection of material gathered from the Kew, RAE and TRE archives over the years. Added to that is information gleaned from interviews and discussions with personnel involved.

Like Vulcan’s Hammer and Battle Flight, Listening In will provide the background to certain decisions on equipment and aircraft, including why certain types and kit were selected. Rather than specific day-to-day operations and squadron histories, Listening In looks at what impact Elint had on the wider aspects of the RAF’s operations and its place in the political framework of the Cold War.

In short, it provides a peek at this somewhat mysterious but fascinating field. If, like me you always wondered what the RAF's "Radio Calibration" aircraft did. Listening In will provide the answers.

Chris
 
ooohh thats one for pre order :D
cheers, Joe

by way of a ps. does it cover any of the projects looked at re equipment/sensors (i know the RAF. have coveted the 'RC.135' in various forms over the years) oops, scratch that, i just read through the synopsis on the Crecy page B)
 
I'm sure someone here might be able to add some more details ;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/listening-Electronic-Intelligence-Gathering-Publishing/dp/1902109384/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp

Listening In: Electronic Intelligence Gathering since 1945

by Dave Forster and Chris Gibson

Due out in the UK - 31st July 2014 (well according to Amazon)

Hikoki Publications

176 pages
 
A cover illustration from the website:
 

Attachments

  • Listening In.jpg
    Listening In.jpg
    195 KB · Views: 424
Aye. Here:

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,21064.0.html

Chris
 
Detailed summary of the book from author Dave Forster & editor Chris Gibson

Listening In examines RAF Elint in the post war era. Its 192 pages introduce us to the need for Elint, the Elint types and how the equipment was developed. Listening In also describes many of the operations and gives, for the first time, an insight to this secretive and, frankly mysterious, aspect of the RAF’s Cold War. With over 200 illustrations including maps, equipment diagrams, bespoke artwork and many photographs (with many of these not previously published), Listening In presents the intriguing story of RAF Elint for the first time.

Chapter Summary

Foreword – The origins of RAF Elint in World War Two

Chapter 1 - Noise Listening
This covers the immediate post-war period and operations by Y-Lancasters and Y-Mosquitos. Examines the Radio Warfare Establishment, Y-Wing and the Noise Listening programme, the targets of the Noise programme and the equipment used on these missions. The H2S problems and the debate about the need for H2S.

Chapter 2 The Cold War Begins
covers the onset of the Cold War and the introduction of the Lincoln and development of Elint equipment including the first attempt at Automatic Elint and the ‘Watton Box’. Also looks at the Ferret flights by the Central Signals Establishment’s Monitoring squadron. The dual role Elint/RCM Lancasters, arrival on operations of the Lincoln and investigating Soviet air defences. Co-operation with the US and the influence of LSIC/GCHQ, how the importance of and need for Elint was realised, leading to new kit and aircraft.

Chapter 3 – Upping the Stakes
describes the political fallout from shootdowns of US reconnaissance aircraft and its effect on RAF operations by Lincolns in the early 1950s. The arrival of new navigation equipment and its R&D. The Border sorties and the Radio Proving Flights (RPFs) and the need for an improved direction finding system and Flange. The formation of 192 Squadron, the increasing influence of GCHQ and how Bomber Command tried to wrest control of the Elint role for itself.

Chapter 4 – Washingtons
looks at the procurement of the Boeing RB-29 Washingtons and conversion of the type to RAF Needs. How the improved capability led to an expanded Elint programme including Operations in the Black Sea area from Iraq.

Chapter 5 - Jet Elint and the Canberra
examines the beginnings of jet Elint, the need for a high performance Elint type and the examination of the Vickers V1000 and the Canberra. How the Canberras were acquired and converted by CSE and 192 Squadron. New navigation kit in the shape of Blue Shadow and how the new type would be utilised. Doubts are raised about the Washington and its vulnerability to Soviet air defences. The impact of Churchill and the Queen on Elint operations against the Soviet Navy.

Chapter 6 – Probing the PVO Strany
describes Elint operations by Canberra and Washington in the first half of the 1950s against Soviet air defences in Eastern Europe. Border Flights and RPF operations in the Baltic, Black and how the PVO Strany’s order of battle was assessed. The quest to find and evaluate Soviet AI radars. The development and application of the Blue Shadow and Green Satin navigation systems. The continuing struggle for political approval of RPFs

Chapter 7 – Transfer of Control
looks at Suez, operations in the second half of the 1950s, and the evolution of the Canberra and Washington Elint fit. The fitting out of the new Canberras Continuing RPFs. Operations from the Arctic Circle to the Middle East: operations from Bodø against Soviet air defences around the Barents Sea and on Novaya Zemlya and RPFs against Egypt in the run up the Suez Ops. The arrival of more Canberras and the retirement of the Washingtons. The development of the Breton system in the Fifties

Chapter 8 – The Comet
examines the procurement of the Comet, the brief dalliance with the Elint Shackleton, the Vickers V1000 as a potential Elint platform and the introduction of the Comet into service. The Impact of the disaster that befell the civil Comet airliners and how 192 Squadron addressed the problem. The acquisition of more Comets and their fitting out with Breton. How the increased capacity and workload prompted a new training regime and aircraft. Comet operations and a new scope of work for the Comets including RPFs and Border flights. The impact of the hangar fire on 192 Squadron. The establishment of 51 Squadron.

Chapter 9 – Elint in the 1960s and 1970s
provides an overview of operations in the 1960s-70s, the impact of the U-2 and RB-47 incidents and covers the period up until the retirement of the Comets and Canberras. Also examines the political problems of Elint operations in the fallout from the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Gary Powers incident. Also looks at improvements to the aircraft including the replacement for Breton, upgrading the Canberras and the structural changes within the RAF’s reconnaissance organisation.

Chapter 10 – World-wide Operations
examines Elint programmes by operational area in detail in the 1960-70 period. RPFs into the Barents Sea from Andøya and the continuing co-operation with the USAF Elint units. Operations into the Baltic to keep the knowledge of Soviet air defences order of battle current. Operations from Turkey and the political concerns of the Turkish Government. Operations in the Persian Gul and ‘Nasser’s Corner’. Mixing it with the Fiddlers. Walking the political tight-rope with the Shah of Iran and supporting operations in Oman. To the Far East to listen in to the Indonesians and assess their burgeoning Soviet-supplied air defence system. Operations against China. The effect of the Arab-Israeli wars of 1967 and 1973 and keeping an eye on the Egyptians (and the Israelis). More ops against the improving Soviet Navy.

Chapter 11 – New Directions
describes new developments in automatic Elint, direction finding and IR measurements. The RAE’s SLIS and Kalki kit for for 51 Squadron, operations Lock and Burglary using Harpoon and Zabra to acquire information for UK IR-guided AAM development.

Chapter 12 – Replacing the Comet
gives a detailed history of the Nimrod procurement, examining the various alternative proposals (Britannia, VC.10, Andover, Vulcan etc) and killing two birds with one stone and how the Nimrod came to be the preferred type to replace the Comet and Canberra. The Hampshire Report and its recommendations, the MoD/GCHQ studies and results. The need for tactical Elint and a suitable platform. Financial and political threats to the Nimrod R.1. Fitting out the Nimrod airframes for Elint and Comint.

Chapter 13 - Nimrod in Service
covers the career of the Nimrod R.1 up until retirement. Operations in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia, West Africa and the Falklands. Nimrod upgrades such as Astral Box, Starwindow, Extract, Tigershark and Helix. The Elint VC10 proposals and the search for a replacement. Retirement and dispersal of the Nimrod R.1s

Postscript and Conclusion
Airseeker – Adoption of the RC-135, training the crews and the future.
Click to expand...
 
Latest update:

Crecy are hoping to launch the book at Duxford Flying Legends on the 12/13th July.
 
Well, it's not often I read a book on the RAF in the Cold War and think, 'I never knew that'. Happened quite a lot with Listening In.

Standing by the fence at Wyton, I always did wonder where they went.

Here's the cover:

Chris
 

Attachments

  • Listening_in_Jkt.png
    Listening_in_Jkt.png
    464.6 KB · Views: 276
Morning chaps,

Here's a taster of Listening In. Lo-res of course. Hope you like what you see!

Chris
 

Attachments

  • LI_Image1.gif
    LI_Image1.gif
    180.2 KB · Views: 252
  • LI_Image2.gif
    LI_Image2.gif
    158.2 KB · Views: 242
  • LI_Image3.gif
    LI_Image3.gif
    197.2 KB · Views: 229
  • LI_Image4.gif
    LI_Image4.gif
    157.9 KB · Views: 86
Great, me and my credit card are ready to order a copy
 
Got mine off Amazon today, initial scan looks rather interesting :D
 
I received a copy of this today, based on an initial read it is a fascinating look at an often ignored but very significant area of RAF activity, there are a couple of nice secret projects too. Overall it seems well researched and well worth a purchase if you have an interest in RAF ELINT activities in the Cold War.
 
my copy arrived on Saturday morning :)

a brilliantly researched volume, so much of the material contained I was previously unaware of too, Dave Forster really has compiled what will probably be the standard reference on the subject for the foreseeable future methinks, (I really do hope someone releases a photograph of the roundel marked U.2R seen on the ramp at Akrotiri back in the late 60's/early 70's !) the addition of 'what might have been' re the Vickers V.1000 and VC.10 are an interesting adjunct too (altho understandably not the main topic of the volume, it would be interesting to find out more re. the projected types considered for this specialised 'over the fence' role, hint hint ?) ;)

very recommended indeed

cheers, Joe
 
I would hope that someone could do a similar study on American ELINT activities. Since Crecy is partnered with Specialty Press here in the States, maybe that could yet become a reality.
 
gatoraptor said:
I would hope that someone could do a similar study on American ELINT activities. Since Crecy is partnered with Specialty Press here in the States, maybe that could yet become a reality.
Click to expand...

It would need a decent author with some experience in the subject matter and able to access the archives to do a similar book on the US programme, before you get your hopes up.
 
.

Alfred Price did a "The History of U. S. Electronic Warfare," in 2 volumes up to 1964.

I am sure that a newer history would include much more information.

.
 
The AOC published a third volume of Price's history in 2000, covering 1964-2000.
 
yellowaster said:
The AOC published a third volume of Price's history in 2000, covering 1964-2000.
Click to expand...

This one?

"War in the fourth dimension - US electronic warfare, from the Vietnam War to the present" by Alfred Price
Greenhill, London, 2001
ISBN 1-85367-471-0
 

Attachments

  • war.jpg
    war.jpg
    15.1 KB · Views: 204
The book I was thinking of is "The History of US Electronic Warfare, Vol III, Rolling Thunder Through Allied Force, 1964 to 2000". Published by the AOC, ISBN 0-9703794-0-4
 
Chris

Another gem of a book with much fascinating material and great artwork as usual.

I eagerly await your next opus.

All the best
Ralph
 
Ah, well, it's Dave's book and he did all the hard work while I shouted from the dugout and almost got banished to the stands a few times.

Glad you like it, lots of new and interesting material in there. It fills a huge gap in the RAF's activities and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has watched a Nimrod R.1 depart from Wyton or Waddington and wondered where it was going. Dave has enlightened us.

Thanks

Chris
 
Firstly, to be clear, the author of this book is Dave Forster, Chris Gibson was the editor. Praise for the book should be mostly directed to Dave. I should also mention I recieved a review copy of this book, for which I must thank Chris, Dave and the publisher Crecy/Hikoki.

Production-wise, this is up to the very high standard set by Chris Gibson's Crecy books, Vulcan's Hammer and Battle Flight. There are some nice Adrian Mann 3D renders and lots of drawings and photos. Printing quality is high, reproduction of illustrations excellent. Russell Strong did the layout once more and the layout is essentially the same as the two books by Chris mentioned above - while basically similar to other recent Hikoki books by other authors it is a class above them in my opinion. The writing is also very good. Writing a good book is not just about research, its turning that research into a coherent story, and Dave does this very well.

The balance of "Listening in" is somewhat different to Chris's books, with a lot more operational focus, and less wacky / cool unbuilt designs. Chris's books are more heavily focused on a wider narrative of technical development with a lot of unbuilt projects and do not really concentrate on operations. This isn't a bad thing, so long as you don't expect the book to be exactly like Vulcan's Hammer and Battle Flight, and it does still broadly fit alongside these books thematically.

The major part of the book covers RAF ELINT activities from 1945-1960, and this part is truly excellent. Clearly the result of long hours of research in many archives, it goes through the aircraft, the specialised equipment developed, and detailed accounts of aims and results of the missions flown, primarily against the Soviet Union. I found this part of the book very interesting.

The later chapters covering the 1960s onwards and operations in many different theatres were still very interesting but I felt lacked a little in the technical and specific operational mission details compared to the riches found in the first part of the book. This may well be due to the files in question still being classified, and I think also reflect changes in the rate of development in, and operational usage of, ELINT in the RAF.

Possibly in another 25 years, this later part of the story might be able to be told in greater detail - but I believe this is the best account of Postwar British ELINT equipment and operations yet written, and a worthy addition to any aviation library.
 
I apologise unreservedly to Dave Forster. My enthusiasm was however genuine.
In my defence, it is Chris Gibson who has brought us this extraordinary range of books on the Postwar Secret world. I would also thank Adrian Mann who has provided so many illustrations.
 
I think Paul MM has got his review spot on, the detail of the early years is fascinating, the various Canberra and Comet versions are explained in wonderful detail, but the narrative unfortunately becomes far more general as you leave the 70's and progress towards the modern age. The information on the early years is more than worth the cost of purchasing but when you have been told so much early on the sudden lack of detail in the later chapters really does stand out.
A couple of things really struck me from the text, firstly how very small the UK Elint fleet has been over the years, how hard it had to compete for funds and how that has often dictated the hardware used rather than the operational requirement, the thought of a fleet of VC-10 Elint aircraft was very tantalizing.
 
A belated review (too many books on the 'to-read' pile!), but this is an impressive piece of research. The details on the technical equipment and the operations are probably uncovered anywhere else in this kind of detail. The later years are sketchy, but without the access to files that is unavoidable. The details of the 1950s and 60s operations worldwide more than makes up for this. It makes a nice companion to Richard Aldrich's 'GCHQ', Calder Walton's 'Empire of Secrets' and Hennesy's coverage of this period .

This book should be on every cold-war intelligence students' reading list, it probably deserves to be on some academics' bookshelves too, but I fear the aviation publisher and lack of 'scholarly credentials' would probably put them off (though I have recently seen one of Yefim Gordon's Red Star series referenced in an article on the Indonesian Confrontation over Western New Guinea). That is a pity because this is excellent research which deserves wider reading beyond the aviation fraternity.
 
OK folks, Dave's book has sold out and he's currently working on another book.

Crecy are planning to do a reprint soon and Dave and I are looking at correcting typos and other faux pas.

So...anyone noticed any howlers or typos that we missed during the original editing?

Please feel free to drop us a line here and we'll sort them out.

Thanks in advance

Chris
 
CJGibson said:
OK folks, Dave's book has sold out and he's currently working on another book.

Crecy are planning to do a reprint soon and Dave and I are looking at correcting typos and other faux pas.

So...anyone noticed any howlers or typos that we missed during the original editing?

Please feel free to drop us a line here and we'll sort them out.

Thanks in advance

Chris
Click to expand...

Sold out?? Yikes! Just jumped on Amazon to secure one of the last copies before they begin retailing at £200+ (until the reprint emerges, obviously).
 

Similar threads

Please donate to support the forum.

Back
Top Bottom