Pilots had to keep the U-2 spy plane flying at a true airspeed of 460 mph to ensure it didn't stall out or encounter high-speed buffeting. It was a struggle.

Watch as the legendary Lockheed U-2 spy plane performs an impressive high-speed takeoff and steep climb, lifting off in just ...

The U-2 is a single-engine, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Development began in 1954, and a prototype flew the following year. Lockheed built 49 aircraft in the initial configuration, but as ...

As the Office of the Secretary of Defense weighs a premature retirement of the U-2, manufacturer Lockheed Martin’s argument to save the program is that “there is no other high-altitude platform that ...

Flying from Beale AFB, a Lockheed U-2 aircraft, using the specially chosen callsign DRAGON 70, was heard communicating with ATC about a plan to set an endurance and altitude record for the ‘category ...

The U-2 is a single-place aircraft that requires a team effort to land because of its limited forward visibility and bicycle-type landing gear. [Courtesy: EAA AirVenture] One of the most popular ...

At the 2025 Royal International Air Tattoo, US aircraft like the B-1B and U-2 showcased American airpower and diplomacy, possibly marking the U-2’s final appearance before retirement. The Royal Air ...

Hear from the first Black woman to pilot the U-2 about how she overcame obstacles to make history, May 3 at 8 pm ET. Learn more: https://s.si.edu/40FsAZJ The path towards achieving your goal is not ...

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) — On the evening of July 31, a TU-2S Dragon Lady from the 9th Reconnaissance Wing took off from Beale Air Force Base to begin a flight unlike any the U-2 airframe ...