![]() Following the first two squadrons, a third was added in 1957 based from Japan. Another approach saw the U-2 covered in a two-tone grey scheme with a dividing blue line.Īs soon as July 1956, the aircraft began running reconnaissance flights over Soviet and allied territories from bases in West Germany and Turkey. is displayed with a blue/gray camouflage pattern. An near-all-white scheme was used by NASA while the USAF model showcased at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. While typically photographed in its flat black paint spyplane scheme, the U-2 has come in a variety of liveries over the course of its service life. These models are clearly identified by the teardrop-shaped pod sitting atop the fuselage dorsal spine. Some models are further outfitted with the "Senior Span" SATellite COmmunications (SATCOM) system for realtime data sending/receiving. Sensors are removable from the nose assembly and can be found in underwing pods as well as the forward fuselage section. ![]() The tail unit is comprised of a single rudder and low-mounted horizontal planes. A split-intake arrangement feeds the single engine installation while a single exhaust port is positioned under the tail. The cockpit is situated some distance away from the nose cone and the fuselage is general of tubular shape. During this time, it is imperative for the pilot to receive altitude calls from the ground.īeyond these traits, the overall configuration of the aircraft is conventional. The aircraft must come down to an altitude of two feet over the runway and stall before descending. All of this makes for dangerous landing actions in which a "chase car" assists the pilot in maneuvering. Vision out-of-the-cockpit is poor due to the forward instrument panel, smallish canopy screens, and raised dorsal fuselage spine. All are retractable into the design to maintain aerodynamic efficiency. The rear of the aircraft is supported by a smaller twin-wheeled leg which outriggers are positioned under each mainplane to support their span while ground-running. Secondly is the undercarriage which sports a single twin-wheeled main landing gear leg under center mass. These provide the necessary control and long-range qualities needed of a reconnaissance platform - going against traditional thinking and the use of swept-back wing members concerning the mainplanes. First and foremost is its glider-like wide spanning wing mainplanes seated at midships. The iconic U-2 features several unique traits in its design. ![]() In all, 104 examples would be completed from 1955 to 1989. A first-flight was had on August 1st, 1955 and serial production of the type followed shortly thereafter with 52 total units being ordered. The aircraft was designed by famous Lockheed aeronautics engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson supported through Lockheed's own secretive "Skunk Works" development branch. The U-2 was slated to be replaced by the unmanned Northrop Grumman "Global Hawk" surveillance drone but these plans have been shelved - instead, the United States Air Force has elected to further evolve the manned U-2 platform for the foreseeable future. Today the platform flies in a highly-modernized form to better contend with the dangers of the modern battlefield. The high-altitude operation of the aircraft was intended to keep it out of harm's way, namely to counter the threat of the impressive Soviet air defense capabilities of the early Cold War period.ĭespite its Cold War roots, it continues to function in its same role today (2020), nearly sixty-five years after its maiden flight. The designation "U-2" was used as a rouse so as to not draw attention to the aircraft's true spying role - the "U" signifying "utility". Work on the iconic aircraft began in 1954 with an American need for a purpose-built very-high-altitude spyplane / reconnaissance platform. The famous Lockheed U-2 "Dragon Lady" spyplane was born in the thick of the Cold War (1947-1991) years during the content between East and West.
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