The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance; The U-2 and OXCART Programs, 1954-1974

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93
iee,et NOFORN
Chapter 3
U-2 Operations in the
Soviet Bloc and Middle East,
1956-1968
By January 1956, everyone working on Project AQUATONE could
see that the U-2 was nearing the time for operational deployment.
During tests the aircraft had met all the criteria established in late
I 954. Its range of 2,950 miles was sufficient to overfly continents, its
altitude of 72,000 feet was beyond the reach of all known antiaircraft
weapons and interceptor aircraft, and its camera lenses were the finest
available.
Because the main targets for the U-2 lay behind the Iron Curtain.
Bissell and his staff began looking for operational bases in Europe.
The United Kingdom, America's closest ally, seemed the logical
choice for U-2 bases, and, on 10 January 1956, Bissell flew to
London to discuss the maner with Royal Air Force (RAF) and MI-6
officials. Their initial response was favorable, but they told Bissell
that the proposal needed approval at a much higher level.
Bissell reported his findings to DCI Dulles, who promptly ar­
ranged to meet with Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd in Londcin to
explore the possibility of winning the British Government's approval
for the project. Dulles presented his case to Lloyd on 2 February, and,
by early March. Prime Minister Anthony Eden approved the basing of
U-2s in the United Kingdom. The U-2s were to use Lakenheath AFB,
an RAF base also used by the USAF Strategic Air Command (SAC).'
' OSA History. chap. 11. pp. 10-15 (TS Codeword).
Secaet