Скачать или смотреть 70,000 Feet Up: The U-2 Spy Plane.

The Lockheed U‑2, nicknamed the “Dragon Lady,” is one of the most famous reconnaissance aircraft ever built. Developed in the 1950s at Lockheed’s secretive “Skunk Works,” the U‑2 was designed to fly at extreme altitudes, above 70,000 feet, where it could photograph vast areas of enemy territory while remaining out of reach of most defenses. Its long, glider‑like wings and lightweight construction gave it the ability to soar higher than any other operational aircraft of its time.

The U‑2 played a central role in Cold War intelligence. It provided critical information on Soviet missile sites, nuclear facilities, and military movements, helping U.S. leaders make informed decisions during tense moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. The aircraft also became famous after the 1960 incident in which pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union, highlighting both the risks and importance of aerial reconnaissance.

Still in service today in updated versions, the U‑2 continues to provide high‑altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for the U.S. Air Force, a true testament to the brilliance of its original design.

At the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, the U‑2 display allows visitors to see the aircraft’s distinctive shape: its slender fuselage, long wings, and bicycle‑style landing gear. Standing beside it highlights the daring missions it flew and the critical role it played in keeping America informed during the Cold War and beyond.

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