Military Aircraft
Lockheed Martin F-117 Nighthawk
ICAO: F117
Overview
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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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.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.