The photo recon plane is a Lockheed F-5 which was an unarmed variant of the P-38 Lightning fighter. This twin engine fighter air frame made an ideal reconnaissance aircraft. It had the speed and maneuverability of a fighter, and the camera could be placed in the nose directly in line with the pilot's view. The camera saw exactly what he did making the mission much easier for the pilot. Outwardly they appear the same except that the F-5 has no gun barrels extending from the nose of the plane.