Aerial reconnaissance
（重定向自Tactical reconnaissance）
![Photo-reconnaissance Lockheed F-5 Lightning, circa June 1944. It is marked with invasion stripes to help Allied troops identify it as an Allied plane.](/Images/godic/202502/14/Lockheed_F-5_Lightning0803.jpg")
![Pigeon with German miniature camera, during the First World War.](/Images/godic/202502/14/Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-R01996,_Brieftaube_mit_Fotokamera_cropped0803.jpg")
![A B.E.2c reconnaissance aircraft of the RFC with an aerial reconnaissance camera fixed to the side of the fuselage, 1916](/Images/godic/202502/14/RFC_aircraft_with_aerial_reconnaissance_camera0804.jpg")
![A German observation plane, the Rumpler Taube.](/Images/godic/202502/14/Rumpler_Taube_monoplane0804.jpg")
Aerial reconnaissance is reconnaissance for a military or strategic purpose that is conducted using reconnaissance aircraft. This role can fulfil a variety of requirements, including the collection of imagery intelligence, observation of enemy maneuvers and artillery spotting.