U-2 Dragon Lady
The U-2 Dragon Lady provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in direct support of U.S. And allied forces. It delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all faces of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities.
Long and narrow wings give the U-2 glider-like characteristics and allow it to quickly lift heavy sensor payloads to unmatched altitudes, keeping them there for extended periods of time. The aircraft has electro-optical infrared camera, optical bar camera, advanced synthetic aperture radar, signals intelligence and network-centric communication sensors.
Built in complete secrecy by Kelly Johnson and the Lockheed Skunk Works, the original U-2A first flew in August 1955. Early flights over the Soviet Union in the late 1950s provided the president and other U.S. decision makers with key intelligence on Soviet military capability. In October 1962, the U-2 photographed the buildup of Soviet offensive nuclear missiles in Cuba, touching off the Cuban Missile Crisis. In more recent times, the U-2 has provided intelligence during operations in Korea, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. When requested, the U-2 also provides peacetime reconnaissance in support of disaster relief from floods, earthquakes, and forest fires and supports search and rescue operations.
Specifications (U-2 Dragon Lady)
Primary Function: High-altitude reconnaissance
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Power Plant: One General Electric F118-101 engine
Thrust: 17,000 pounds
Wingspan: 105 feet (32 meters)
Length: 63 feet (19.2 meters)
Height: 16 feet (4.8 meters)
Weight: 16,000 pounds
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 40,000 pounds (18,000 kilograms)
Fuel Capacity: 2,950 gallons
Payload: 5,000 pounds
Speed: 410+ miles per hour
Range: 7,000+ miles (6,090+ nautical miles)
Ceiling: Above 70,000 feet (21,212+ meters)
Filed Under History
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