U-2 Dragon Lady

The U-2 is a high-altitude, long-range reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft that originated from the Cold War era. It gathers real-time strategic data, day and night, in all weather conditions, and can be deployed worldwide. Developed in less than a year in Lockheed's secretive "Skunk Works" workshops, its existence was only revealed 4 years after it was introduced into service when a U-2 was shot down over Soviet territory on May 1, 1960.

To enable it to fly at high altitudes, the design of the U-2 is highly unique, with long wings and a slender fuselage, which give it the appearance of a glider. Its piloting is particularly delicate due to the very low pressures experienced at high altitude, as well as during the landing phase. In the early U-2A and U-2C models, the stall speed and maximum speed were extremely close: 90% of the flight time was spent just 5 knots above the stall speed. The pilot is equipped with a pressurized suit, which provides liquid oxygen and protects them in case of cabin depressurization. The U-2's multiple sensors allow for simultaneous collection of signal emissions, photographic, infrared, electro-optical, and radar imagery, as well as other types of data (atmospheric, topographical, etc.).

Several versions of the U-2, nicknamed "Dragon Lady," were developed after the U-2A. The most significant is the U-2R, which made its first flight in 1967: it has larger dimensions and incorporates a more powerful engine. In 1979, after a 12-year production halt, the TR-1 was designed, optimized for surveillance of Eastern Europe. A total of 35 units were built, including 4 two-seater training aircraft. The US Air Force plans to keep the U-2 in service until 2020.