It was clear in late 1952, that there was an urgent need to be able to copy target signals much further to the north than could be done by feasible ground collection sites. After meeting with several concerned commands an airborne collection platform was proposed that could reach well into North Korea. It was immediately approved in principle, and the name "BLUESKY" was assigned by FEAF. A search was then started for a suitable aircraft. Several types were proposed. Major Bolstridge favored the C-47, because it was a stable, roomy platform, had two engines, and likely would be in inventory for years to come. The C-47 was selected, and three (3) were ordered for modifications. The planes were moved to Yokota air Base and put into service with 15th RSM back-end crew members aboard. The mission results exceeded all expectations.

    A converted B-29 had been used earlier by the HQ USAFSS to fly the first Airborne Reconnaissance Program test missions in the Pacific, 18 April 1952. (From "A Continuing Legacy, USAFSS-AIA 1948-2000") The RC-47 was the first to participate as such in direct support of combat air operations. Eventually the BLUESKY program, was expanded to as many as ten (10)
RC-47's.

    The BLUESKY RC-47's flew at altitude along the battle line and up the west coast of Korea. Data could be recorded on wire recorders (we had no tape recorders then), and/or on hard copy. The data could be dropped by parachute canister to the Det. 2, 15th RSM on Cho-do (Island located about forty miles north of the 38th parallel in the northern Yellow Sea). After the cease fire agreement the Cho-do operation was moved to Paengnyong-do, an island just south of the 38th parallel, in order to continue providing the RC-47 operational support to the combat readiness forces.

    The Ewha University operation clearly was greatly enhanced by the inputs from the RC-47s. This arrangement was maintained for more than a decade, when the RC-47s were re-equipped with more modern equipment, and moved to Southeast Asia to support the air battle and aid search and rescue in Vietnam. The success of the RC-47 BLUESKY, and it reconnaissance operations program led to larger and heavier types of aircraft, and to a wide variety of missions.