The U-2 Dragon Lady high altitude reconnaissance aircraft celebrates its 55th anniversary of service in 2010. This unique aircraft continues to provide valuable ISR services to the world reconnaissance theater that remain irreplaceable. The U-2 also assists with humanitarian and research missions.
The Dragon Lady is considered the most difficult aircraft in the US Air Force inventory to fly and land with its tandem landing gear and outboard pogo wheels that detach from the plane at takeoff. The single pilot, single engine aircraft can stay aloft unrefueled at 70,000 feet and above for missions longer than 15 hours. The pilot must wear a full pressure suit for high altitude flight.
Aviation artist Kristin Hill flew a high altitude observation flight in the two seat U-2ST training craft to observe and document the aircraft in its flight environment. Based at Beale Air Force Base with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, there are approximately 30 U-2 aircraft deployed at different locations throughout the world.