In the picture above, a uniquely shaped light aircraft flies over tree branches, with a protruding spherical glass cockpit resembling the eyes of a dragonfly. It is the British EA-7 low-speed observation aircraft, also known as the "Eye of Flight". In the 1970s, aviation technology had entered a period of deepening application from the initial exploration stage. At that time, there was a growing demand for low altitude observation in fields such as agricultural monitoring and terrain survey. Traditional fixed wing aircraft have outstanding endurance, but due to insufficient low-speed stability, it is difficult to maintain smooth flight at low altitudes; Helicopters rely on hovering advantages to achieve low altitude observation, but their high cost and complex operations severely limit their application in civilian scenarios. In 1974, the British company Adelie launched research and development with the design goal of "low cost, easy operation, and low-speed stability". Soon, the EA-7 low-speed observation aircraft was born and completed its maiden flight. The power system layout of EA-7 low-speed observation aircraft is unique. Its engine and propeller are rear mounted, providing unobstructed and open views for pilots and passengers in the cockpit. The aircraft has a top speed of 213 kilometers per hour and can cruise for a long time at a speed of 130 kilometers per hour, with a range of up to 8 hours - a range that was not commonly seen in fixed wing aircraft at the time. Meanwhile, the stall speed of the aircraft is only 108 kilometers per hour, indicating high flight stability. The cockpit is extensively made of glass material, creating a transparent observation space. Observation aircraft is a special type of aircraft that focuses on low altitude, low-speed, and long endurance observations. Compared with ordinary reconnaissance aircraft, observation aircraft emphasize more on ultra long endurance capability. It has a large field of view observation cockpit and stable flight performance. In addition to visual observation, the aircraft is often equipped with optical and infrared observation equipment. Due to its low operating costs and suitability for long-term deployment, observation aircraft are widely used in fields such as aerial photography, meteorological tracking, disaster assessment, wildlife conservation, pollution source investigation, agricultural monitoring, mineral exploration, and anti smuggling and anti illegal immigration. In the military field, observation aircraft can clearly identify enemy positions, equipment deployment, and personnel movements through low-speed flight and low altitude hovering, providing real-time target positions for artillery, drones, or attack aircraft and reducing the risk of accidental injury. Some battlefield observation aircraft can take off from harsh field airports and have strong environmental adaptability. Its body mount can be used to attach weapon devices such as rocket launchers, which can not only perform battlefield observation tasks, but also provide close range fire support in emergency situations. However, the EA-7 low-speed observation aircraft has not been widely used. During the mass production phase of the aircraft, Edley Company was repeatedly hit by debt crises, forcing production lines to be interrupted. Afterwards, the company attempted to resume production through restructuring, but was unable to mass produce due to various reasons. Until its official discontinuation, only 22 units of this aircraft were produced. Perhaps in the future, with the iteration of aviation technology and changes in market demand, this uniquely designed aircraft still has the opportunity to return to the blue sky. (New Society)