Lockheed U-2 - American Aircraft and Fighters

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Lockheed U-2

The Lockheed U-2 or "Dragon Lady" is an American single-engine, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft first introduced in 1956.

Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Reconnaissance and Surveillance, Scout Aircraft
Manufacturer: Lockheed Skunk Works

Lockheed U-2 Aircraft Overview

The Lockheed U-2 is a single-engine, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that was developed by the Lockheed Corporation in the 1950s for the United States Air Force (USAF).

The U-2 was designed to fly at extremely high altitudes, up to 70,000 feet, in order to avoid detection by enemy radar systems. It is equipped with advanced cameras and other sensors that allow it to gather intelligence from long distances, making it a valuable tool for military and intelligence agencies.

The U-2 is also known for its distinctive appearance, with its long, narrow wings and distinctive “beak” at the front of the aircraft. Despite its age, the U-2 remains in service with the USAF and other military organizations, and has been extensively used in a variety of missions, including during the Cold War and in more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Lockheed U-2S Specifications

Crew: 1
Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) payload
Length: 63 ft 0 in (19.20 m)
Wingspan: 103 ft (31 m)
Height: 16 ft 0 in (4.88 m)
Wing area: 1,000 sq ft (93 m²)
Airfoil: root: NACA 63A409; tip: NACA 63A406
Empty weight: 16,000 lb (7,257 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 40,000 lb (18,144 kg)
Fuel capacity: 2,950 US gal (2,460 imp gal; 11,200 l)
Powerplant: 1 × General Electric F118-101 turbofan engine, 17,000 lbf (76 kN) thrust

Lockheed U-2S Performance

Cruise speed: Mach 0.715 (412 kn; 470 mph; 760 km/h) at 72,000 ft (22,000 m)
Cruise speed: 413 kn (475 mph, 765 km/h) at 65,000 ft (20,000 m)
Stall speed: 65 kn (75 mph, 120 km/h)
Range: 6,090 nmi (7,010 mi, 11,280 km) plus
Endurance: 12 hours
Service ceiling: 80,000 ft (24,000 m) plus
Rate of climb: 9,000 ft/min (46 m/s)
Time to altitude: 60,000 ft (18,000 m) in 12 minutes 30 seconds
Lift-to-drag: 25.6
Wing loading: 40 lb/sq ft (200 kg/m²)
Thrust/weight: 0.425
Fuel consumption: 910 lb/h (410 kg/h) in cruise.

Lockheed U-2 Image Gallery

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