US-2 vs U-2 Dragon Lady

Overview

The US-2 and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by ShinMaywa and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 560 km/h for the US-2 vs 805 km/h for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The US-2 has an operational range of 4,700 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 7,195 m for the US-2. At 47,700 kg MTOW, the US-2 is 2.6x the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.

The US-2 has been produced in 8 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. Unit cost is $113M for the US-2 vs $50M for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 48 years before the US-2 (1955 vs 2003).

Japanese amphibious aircraft, prominently utilized for air-sea rescue operations, predominantly during the early 21st century.
ShinMaywa US-2 Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅ Japan
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer ShinMaywa
First flight 18 December 2003
Year introduced 2007
Number produced 8 units
Average unit price $113 million
American high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide.
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 1 August 1955
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $50 million
Wing area 136.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 33.2 m β—‰
Height 9.8 m β—‰
Length 33.5 m β—‰
Maximum speed 560 km/h β—‰
Operational range 4,700 km β—‰
Service ceiling 7,195 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 47,700 kg β—‰
Empty weight 25,630 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 856 kW β—‰
Wing area 93.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 31.0 m β—‰
Height 4.9 m β—‰
Length 19.0 m β—‰
Maximum speed 805 km/h β—‰
Operational range 11,280 km β—‰
Service ceiling 21,336 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 18,144 kg β—‰
Empty weight 6,486 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 8,618 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the US-2 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the US-2's 560 km/h, a difference of 245 km/h.
Which has longer range, the US-2 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the US-2's 4,700 km.
Which can fly higher, the US-2 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the US-2's 7,195 meters (23,605 ft).
Which is heavier, the US-2 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The US-2 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 47,700 kg compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.
Which is larger, the US-2 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The US-2 is longer at 33.5 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the US-2 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The US-2 is more expensive at approximately $113 million per unit compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady at $50 million.
Which entered service first, the US-2 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 51 years before the US-2 which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the US-2 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 8 units of the US-2.