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Lockheed WU-2 / ER-2

Lockheed / NASA · Strategic Reconnaissance · USA · Cold War (1970–1991)

Lockheed WU-2 / ER-2 — Strategic Reconnaissance
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The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed the "Dragon Lady", is an American single-engine, high–altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) since the 1950s. Designed for all-weather, day-and-night intelligence gathering at altitudes above 70,000 feet, the U-2 has played a pivotal role in aerial surveillance for decades.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Reconnaissance
Domain
Defence
Era
Cold War (1970–1991)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Lockheed / NASA
Operator
USA
Primary Role
Strategic Reconnaissance
Status
In Service
Service Entry
1981
Produced
2
Propulsion
Electric
Engine
General Electric F118-GE-101 turbofan
Thrust / Power
17,000 lbf
Launch
Ground
Length (ft)
63
Wingspan (ft)
105
Empty Weight (lb)
14990
MTOW (lb)
41300
Endurance (hr)
10
Service Ceiling (ft)
70000
Range (mi)
5800
Max Speed (mph)
475
Max Speed (Mach)
0.65