CIA-UAP-003

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

Cover of a report titled "The Central Intelligence Agency and Overhead Reconnaissance".

Official description

This CIA History Staff document chronicles the complete history of the U-2 and OXCART (A-12) high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft programs from 1954 to 1974, detailing their development, operations over the Soviet Union and other targets worldwide, the famous downing of Francis Gary Powers in 1960, organizational reforms following that incident, and the eventual transfer of operations from CIA to Air Force control. A more redacted version of this document has been available on CIA's public website.

Reproduced verbatim from the releasing agency.

AI summary

This CIA document provides a comprehensive history of the U-2 and OXCART reconnaissance aircraft programs from 1954 to 1974. It outlines the development, operations, and significant events related to these programs, including the downing of pilot Francis Gary Powers, and the shift of control from the CIA to the Air Force.