High-Level Reconnaissance LOCKHEED U-2A The U-2 was designed and built for surveillance missions in the thin atmosphere above 55,000 feet. An unusual single-engine aircraft with sailplane-like wings, it was the product of a team headed by Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson at Lockheed's "Skunk Works" in Burbank, California. The thin, elongated fuselage, and similarily thin wings rendered the U-2 barely visible in overhead flights and nearly invisible at its cruise altitude (usually above 60,000 feet). The U-2 made its first flight in August 1955 and began operational service in 1956. Its employment was kept secret until May 1, 1960, when one was downed over Soviet Territory. Francis Gary Powers, flying for the CIA in his U-2 at 60,000 feet, was hit by a SAM and captured by the U.S.S.R. He was later released in exchange for a Soviet spy. USAF U-2s have been used for various missions. On October 15, 1962, Major Richard S. Heyser piloted a U-2 over Cuba to obtain the first photos of Soviet offensive missile sites. Major Rudolph Anderson, Jr. was killed on a similar mission on October 27, when his U-2 was shot down. U-2s also have been used in mapping studies, atmospheric sampling and for collecting crop and land management photographic data for the Department of Energy. SPECIFICATIONS Wingspan: 80 ft. Length: 49 ft. 7 in. Height: 13 ft. Weight: 15,850 lbs. (17,270 lbs. with external fuel tanks) Armament: None Engine: Pratt & Whitney J57-P-37A of 11,000 lbs. thrust (J75-P-13 of 17,000 lbs. thrust for later models) PERFORMANCE Maximum speed: 494 mph. Cruising speed: 460 mph. Range: 2,220 miles (over 3,000 miles for later models) Ceiling: Above 55,000 ft. (above 70,000 ft. for later models) Return To The Recon Room

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