RF-4C WSO Completes Photo-Run Over North Vietnam After Pilot Falls Asleep
An RF-4C reconnaissance aircraft, developed by the USAF in the 1960s, completed a successful photo-run over North Vietnam despite the pilot, Lt. Col. Morgan Beamer, falling asleep during the mission. The weapons systems operator in the rear seat managed the operation and safely returned the aircraft to Tan Son Nhut, underscoring the intense challenges faced by aircrews in combat.
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The RF-4C reconnaissance aircraft was developed by the USAF in the early 1960s to enhance tactical reconnaissance capabilities, with the first production flight on May 18, 1964. A total of 499 RF-4Cs were accepted, equipped with various cameras for day and night operations but with no offensive armament.
The 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS) became the first operational unit to deploy the RF-4C in Southeast Asia in October 1965. Crews faced intense missions, with aircrew members often overwhelmed and suffering from illnesses.
During one mission over North Vietnam, Lt. Col. Morgan Beamer, squadron commander, fell asleep after flying additional missions.
The weapons systems operator (WSO) in the rear seat completed the photo-run and safely returned to Tan Son Nhut, awakening Beamer for landing. This incident highlighted the challenges faced by aircrews in combat conditions.
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