U-2
For the Irish rock band, see U2.
The U-2 or Utility-2 is a spyplane operated by The United States Air Force. The U-2 is capable of flying at altitudes of 70,000 ft. for long periods of time, due to its lightweight nature.[1]
History
The U-2 was created in 1954 [2] in response to the growing threat of the Soviet Union's nuclear program, and the lack of other forms of intelligence at that time. The United States Air Force originally thought to just modify an existing aircraft for aerial photography, but this plan had many potential problems. Instead of just completing the original request for a modified aircraft, Lockheed-Martin designeer Clarance L. "Kelly" Johnson led a team to research a new aircraft design at the famous "Skunk Works" site.[1]
The first U-2 flight was successfully flown by pilot Tony LeVier on August 4, 1955. The first operational U-2 mission over Poland and East Germany was flown by Carl Overstreet on June 20, 1956. [2]