Lockheed U-2

The Lockheed U‑2, developed by the Lockheed Corporation in the 1950s, is a high‑altitude reconnaissance aircraft that has become an icon of Cold‑War intelligence gathering. Conceived by Clarence “Kelly” Johnson and his Skunk Works team, the U‑2 first flew on 1 August 1955 and entered service with the United States Air Force in 1956. Its slender, glider‑like wings and lightweight structure enable it to cruise above 70,000 feet, beyond the reach of most contemporary fighters and surface‑to‑air missiles. Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet, the aircraft can loiter for extended periods, providing photographers and electronic‑sensor suites with clear images of strategic targets across the Soviet Union, Asia, and later the Middle East. The U‑2’s most publicized moment came in 1960 when pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the USSR, a crisis that underscored the aircraft’s strategic value. Over six decades, the platform has been continually upgraded with digital cameras, synthetic‑aperture radar, and signals‑intelligence equipment, keeping it relevant in modern surveillance missions. Its longevity, versatility, and ability to operate at extreme altitudes have made the U‑2 a cornerstone of aerial reconnaissance and a testament to innovative aeronautical engineering.

Lockheed Corporation

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