Thursday, March 1, 2012

A Look At The U-2

USAF Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady. Wikipedia

Amid Tensions, Spy Planes Watch N.Korea -- Time/AP

(OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea) — As a sleek black U-2 roared back from a mission, Pontiac muscle cars zoomed along the runway to help it touch down using a low-tech method dating back more than half a century to when this Cold War-era aircraft was cutting-edge.

"It's notorious for being hard to land," the pilot said after climbing out of the cockpit.

But the legendary U-2 "Dragon Lady" remains one of Washington's most prized possessions on the Cold War's last hot front. Pumped up by a $1 billion overhaul, a trio of these piloted aircraft are proving they can still compete with the most futuristic drones on a crucial mission: spying on North Korea.

Read more ....

Update: Fast cars and a Cold War icon: U-2 spy planes keep watch on North Korea -- MSNBC

My Comment: A fascinating look at the U-2. Read it all.

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