Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>U-2>HA6906

General Background

In 1954 Lockheed received approval to produce a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The creation of this aircraft went to Lockheed’s Skunk Works and the famous Kelly Johnson. The aircraft, a single-engine jet that could provide images day or night over Soviet territory, was labeled U-2 (U=utility) and given the name “Dragon Lady”. The first test flight took place in 1955 and was used by the CIA and the USAF during the Cold War. The U-2 came to international notoriety in 1960 when one piloted by Gary Power was shot down over the Soviet Union.

Specifications :

Manufacturer:	Lockheed Skunk Works
Number Produced or Converted:	104
Role:	High-altitude Reconnaissance
Crew:	1
First Deployment Date:	U-2R – 1967
	U-2S - 1994
Dimensions
Length:	U-2R – 63 ft
	U-2S – 63 ft
Wingspan:	U-2R – 103 ft
	U-2S – 103 ft
Weight
Empty:	U-2R – 14,900 lbs
Maximum Take-Off:	U-2R – 41,000 lbs
	U-2S – 41,000 lbs
Powerplant :
U-2R:	P7W J75-P-13B
	Thrust – 17,000 lbst
U-2S:	GE F-118-101
	Thrust – 19,000 lbst
Performance
Celling:	U-2R – 80,000 ft
	U-2S – 90,000 ft
Range:	U-2R – 3,500 miles
	U-2S – 4,600 miles