Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science

Rare piece of aviation history is for sale

http://www.avweb.com/oshkosh/osh2001/gallery2/photo9.html

A Lockheed Model 12A, the oldest in existance, is for sale. This plane isn't an ordinary twin Lockheed. This plane used to be owned by Austrailian aviatior/inventor/businessman/spy Sidney Cotton. In the days leading up to WWII, Cotton used hidden cameras on this plane to obtain detailed aerial photos of Germany's industrial heartland while on business flights. The cameras were so well hidden that Cotton sometimes took the pictures while carrying Luftwaffe officials.

After the outbreak of war, these photos were used for Britian's first bombing attacks against Germany. When Britian's own photo reconnaissance squadrons were nearly wiped out, Cotton formed an experimental unit flying modified Spitfires. This early outfit laid the foundation for all of the Allied photographic reconnaissance in the ETO. After proving his concepts, Cotton was pushed aside by regular RAF officers. Still, the lessons he taught were invaluable for the war effort.

Man, I wish I could afford that plane! It's said to be in mint condition.

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