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added Technical Specifications
==Cuban Missile Crisis==
==Cuban Missile Crisis==
On October 14th, a U-2 photographed nuclear missiles being constructed by the [[Soviet Union]], on the island of [[Cuba]]. As these missiles were not yet operational, it gave the United States the advantage of an early warning. U-2 flights continued to monitor the construction of the missiles. (For more information, see [[Cuban Missile Crisis]])
On October 14th, a U-2 photographed nuclear missiles being constructed by the [[Soviet Union]], on the island of [[Cuba]]. As these missiles were not yet operational, it gave the United States the advantage of an early warning. U-2 flights continued to monitor the construction of the missiles. (For more information, see [[Cuban Missile Crisis]])
==Technical Specifications==
The U-2 was a surprising technological breakthrough at that time. It's huge, glider like wings spanned 80 feet (Compared to a length of 49 feet) giving it glider like capabilities. Through this aspect of the design, it was able to travel up to 3,000 nautical miles without refueling. Its design also enabled it to reach altitudes above 70,000 feet, and reach speeds above 430 miles per hour.<ref>http://www.blackbirds.net/u2/u2specs.html</ref>
These unique characteristics prevented standard aircraft from being able to hinder the U-2 flights. It was discovered though, that Soviet Surface-To-Air-Missiles were capable of disabling a U-2.
==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Cold War]]
[[Category:Cold War]]