The U-2 Spy Plane

Airplanes are created to fly, not to hang down from a ceiling in museums or rust in hangars. This statement is especially true, when it comes to the U-2 spy plane, a.k.a. "Dragon Lady". This relict of the Cold War is still in operation after more than fifty years since its first flight in 1955. Designed for high flight the U-2 is at home at an altitude of more than 70,000 feet. At an altitude so high, land under the plane does not appear to be flat anymore. A pilot can see the curvature of the surface of the Earth. It is like being on a spaceship with one exception. Gravity is still present.The U-2 continues to offer the response time unmatched by spy satellites, the ability to communicate directly with troops on the ground, and lower costs compared to drones. This illustrated book presents some interesting facts from the Dragon Lady's rich past and exciting present.