The two U.S.A.F. Boeing B-52D Stratofortresses of the 337th BS, 96th BW, detachment at R.A.F. Upper Heyford - 56-0677 framed under the 4x0.5-in. tail guns of 56-0585.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955

B-52D Stratofortress 56-0677 refuelling from KC-135 Stratotanker 59-1477 at 26,000 ft. over Cornwall

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Our companion B-52D 56-0677 over solid cloud near the French coast.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955

B-52D 56-0585, the aircraft in which the author flew. Most of the air-to-air photographs were taken through one of the small windows behind the cockpit. Apart from the cockpit and rear gun glazing, these are the only windows in the aircraft

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955

The Italian fighter later formated off our port wingtip.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955Lockheed F-104G Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1959

The crew of Stratofortress 56-0585 (left to right): Capt. Jim Scheidman, pilot; Capt. Tom Eisenhut, EWO; Capt. Doug Smith, copilot; Capt. Bob Holey, instructor pilot; Sgt. Bob Phillips, gunner; 2nd Lt. Patrick Goon, navigator; and Major Forrest McGill, radar navigator/bombardier. Note the height of the port outrigger wheel from the ground; it touched as we were taking off!

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955

Then it was our turn - view from the cockpit of B-52D 56-0585. Note the boom nozzle seen through the top window and the formation lights under the Stratotanker's nose

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker / C-135 Stratolifter - СШАUSA - 1956

Capt. Jim Scheidman, pilot of 56-0585, at a rare quiet period during the sortie. The radar CRT can be seen immediately in front of the control horn.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - СШАUSA - 1955

Over Italy the B-52s were intercepted by several waves of Italian A.F. F-104S Starfighters. The last "attack" came just as the bombers recrossed the French border at 32,000 ft. from this F-104 which was liberally stencilled with witches on broomsticks.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed F-104G Starfighter - СШАUSA - 1959