Hobby Master HA6901 | Lockheed U-2S 68-10337 9th RW USAF Beale AFB California

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.

The Aircraft

U-2R 68-10337 was produced in 1968 as c/n 059 and was assigned to the 99th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Beale AFB, California. In 1975 while operating with the 99th SRS in Thailand the aircraft crashed and damaged so it was sent to Palmdale to be rebuilt. In May 1982 68-10337 was transferred to Detachment 4, 9th SRW at RAF Mildenhall. In 1988 the aircraft was once again damaged and sent to Palmdale for repairs. In mid 1990s 32 U-2Rs received General Electric engines and re-designated U-2S.

Specifications for the Lockheed U-2R/S Dragon Lady
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
U-2S – 16,000 lbs
Maximum Take-off
U-2R – 41,000 lbs
U-2S – 41,000 lbs
Performance
Powerplant
U-2R – P7W J75-P-13B
Thrust – 17,000 lbst
U-2R – GE F-118-101
Thrust – 19,000 lbst
Ceiling
U-2R – 80,000 ft
U-2S – 90,000 ft
Range
U-2R – 3,500 miles
U-2S – 4,600 miles