Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady

The high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft built for strategic surveillance.

Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: U2 1956–1989 Active $70 million

The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady is a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed for intelligence gathering missions. Designed during the Cold War, it is capable of sustained flight at extreme altitudes. The aircraft remains in service after decades of modernization.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × General Electric F118-101
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
17,000 lbf · 76 kN
Avionics
Raytheon ASARS 2 , Collins Aerospace SYERS-2C cameras
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
2 economy · 1 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
63 ft 0 in  ·  19.20 m
Tail height
16 ft 8 in  ·  5.09 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
103 ft 0 in  ·  31.40 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
40,000 lb  ·  18,100 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
5,000 lb  ·  2,250 kg
Fuel capacity
2,950 gal · 11,200 L · 8,900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
413 kt  ·  475 mph  ·  765 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
6,090 nm  ·  7,010 mi  ·  11,280 km
Fuel burn
1.89 nm/gal  ·  0.92 km/L
Ceiling
70,000 ft  ·  21,300 m
Rate of climb
9,000 ft/min  ·  46 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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USAF U-2 Dragon Lady -5th Reconnaissance Squadron

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Operational Context

Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady — high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft

The U-2 first flew in 1955 under the direction of Lockheed’s Skunk Works division. Entering service shortly thereafter, it was designed to collect photographic and electronic intelligence over denied territory. Its long wings and lightweight structure enable operations above 70,000 feet (21,300 m).

Powered by a single General Electric F118 turbofan producing approximately 17,000 pounds of thrust (76 kN), the U-2 cruises at high subsonic speed. Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 40,000 pounds (18,140 kg). The aircraft carries advanced sensors rather than conventional armament.

The U-2 has participated in intelligence missions worldwide and continues to receive avionics and sensor upgrades. Its endurance and altitude performance remain valuable in modern surveillance roles. The Dragon Lady stands as one of the longest-serving reconnaissance aircraft in history.

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