Lockheed U-2S

Mystery Spotter 🇬🇧

06 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

Nicknamed the 'Dragon Lady', the U-2 remains a key asset for strategic reconnaissance and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

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General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon

Aircraft

U-2S U2

US Air Force Standard Black Reconnaissance Scheme

BB 9329

Registration

Airline

United States Air Force

USAF

Manufacturer

Lockheed

Insights

Aviation History

Legendary high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft famous for Cold War and modern intelligence missions; first flew in 1955, still in operational service.

Fleet Rarity

U-2 remains rare, with fewer than 30 airframes operational as of 2024.

Record Flights

Flew numerous historical missions, including flights over the Soviet Union and Cuba during the Cold War (Cuban Missile Crisis). Known for operating at altitudes above 21,000 m (70,000 ft).

Safety & Events

Famous for the 1960 Gary Powers shootdown incident over the Soviet Union. Various operational and training incidents due to its challenging flight characteristics.

Future Outlook

Still flying operational missions, though retirement has been considered and periodically postponed.

Specifications

General Electric F118-GE-101

Engine

31.4 meters

Wingspan

19.13 meters

Length

11,300 kilometers

Range

764 kilometers per hour

Speed

1 crew (pilot) + mission equipment

Capacity

18,145 kilograms

MTOW

4.88 meters

Height

84.5 kN (8,620 kgf)

Thrust

Unknown (military aircraft, non-certified for civil ICAO noise ratings)

Noise

Some data may vary slightly depending on aircraft subvariant.