Incident Overview
Description
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) acquired seven Neptunes in 1954 and configured them with cameras and electronics intelligence gear. Five of those were stationed in Taiwan and operated by the Republic of China Air Force. They were reportedly used to conduct intrusion ELINT missions over mainland China, dropping and supplying agents, and dropping propaganda leaflets. Missions were usually flown at night. Aircraft used by the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) to intercept the intruders were MiG-17 fighters. Ilyushin 28/Harbin H-5 jets were used to drop flares and used search lights to illuminate the Neptunes for the MiG-17s. Additionally, Tupolev Tu-4 aircraft were fitted with radar. This Neptune crashed into the Korea Bay while conducting an ELINT and leaflet dropping mission.
Source of Information
https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol-57-no-2/pdfs/Bergin-Overflights.pdf, http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/usafserials.html, http://myplace.frontier.com/~anneled/ColdWar.htmlhttps://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/csi-publications/csi-studies/studies/vol-57-no-2/pdfs/Bergin-Overflights.pdf, http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/usafserials.html, http://myplace.frontier.com/~anneled/ColdWar.htmlPrimary Cause
Intelligence gathering and covert operations.Intelligence gathering and covert operations.Share on:
