The Lockheed U-2

The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed "Dragon Lady", is a single-engine, very high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency. It provides day and night, very high-altitude (70,000 feet / 21,000 meters), all-weather surveillance.The aircraft is also used for electronic sensor research and development, satellite calibration, and satellite data validation.


Role: High-altitude surveillance
Manufacturer: Lockheed Skunk Works
Designed by: Clarence "Kelly" Johnson
First flight: 1 August 1955
Introduction: 1957
Status: Active: 35
Reserve: 0
ANG: 0
Primary users: United States Air Force
Central Intelligence Agency
Republic of China Air Force
NASA
Number built: 86


General characteristics

* Crew: One
* Length: 63 ft (19.2 m)
* Wingspan: 103 ft (31.4 m)
* Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
* Wing area: 1,000 ft² (92.9 m²)
* Aspect ratio: 14.3
* Empty weight: 14,300 lb (6,760 kg)
* Max takeoff weight: 40,000 lb (18,100 kg)
* Powerplant: 1× General Electric F118-101 turbofan, 19,000 lbf (84.5 kN)

Performance

* Maximum speed: 434 knots (500 mph, 805 km/h)
* Cruise speed: 373 knots (429 mph, 690 km/h)
* Range: 5,566 nmi (6,405 mi, 10,300 km)
* Service ceiling: 70,000+ ft (21,300+ m)
* Flight endurance: 12 hours