U-2 Dragon Lady – Warbird Wednesday Episode #177

Welcome to Warbird Wednesday! Today we are looking at the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady. This is a unique and recognizable reconnaissance aircraft in the US inventory. Designed between 1950-1955, the aircraft has been in service since 1955 with 104 units produced that we know of since this plane is involved with the CIA. Very difficult to maneuver, the U-2 was designed to fly above 70,000 feet right next to coffin corner for high-altitude reconnaissance. Recently, the shadow of this aircraft can be seen on the Chinese spy balloon that was flying over Bellflower Missouri in February. This suggests the aircraft is going to stay in service for some time until a new replacement comes along.