THE LOCKHEED U-2 AIRCRAFT
From an unsolicited proposal on paper to one of the world's best known reconnaissance assets, the Lockheed U-2 has served its country well for over fifty years and remains on duty as the highest flying non-supersonic aircraft ever constructed. It is also the only United States aircraft to re-enter production for a second time! Perhaps its greatest fame was created in those thirteen critical days of October, when flown against hostile surface to air missiles and attempted aerial interception over the Island of Cuba, it discovered the Soviet Union's darkest secret. The Lockheed U-2A and U-2C models were utilized during those flights.
U-2A/C
Wingspan: 80 feet 2 inches
Fuselage Length: 49 feet 8 inches U-2A
Engine: Pratt & Whitney J-57-P-31
Range: 4,000 Nautical Miles Altitude: 72,500 Feet (13.73 Miles) U-2C
Engine: Pratt & Whitney J-75-P-13
Range: 4,600 Nautical Miles Altitude: 76,000 Feet (14.39 Miles) Lockheed U-2C (56-6707) is on static display near the entrance to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Its twin sister ship, Lockheed U-2C (56-6680) is on display in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. Both were utilized as "Test Bed" Aircraft. Each flew historic missions and provided our nation with valuable intelligence. Source: LHF Archives |
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