Lockheed U-2

Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

15 May 2026 · © Unknown

Lockheed U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft silhouetted overhead, famous for its role during the Cold War.

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Aircraft

U-2 LOCK

Manufacturer

Lockheed

Gear

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max back camera 6.765mm f/1.78

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Military Maverick

3 badges earned

Photo grade

Score: 68.0

Dramatic silhouette, but strong backlighting and soft focus obscure details; registration not readable.

Insights

Aviation History

One of the most iconic American strategic reconnaissance aircraft, the Lockheed U-2 has been in service since the mid-1950s, famous for high-altitude espionage missions during the Cold War.

Fleet Rarity

Very rare, with around 30 airframes still operational with the USAF as of early 2020s.

Record Flights

Set altitude and endurance records for manned jet aircraft; known for extensive high-altitude reconnaissance missions.

Safety & Events

Famous for the 1960 incident when Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union, causing a major Cold War crisis.

Future Outlook

Expected to remain in limited service into the late 2020s or early 2030s before eventual replacement by unmanned systems.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney J75-P-13B turbojet

Engine

31.4 m

Wingspan

19.2 m

Length

11,000 km

Range

805 km/h

Speed

1 (pilot), payload classified

Capacity

18,144 kg

MTOW

4.6 m

Height

75.62 kN (17,000 lbf)

Thrust