Military Aircraft Videos

Lockheed U-2S "Dragon Lady" Cockpit Tour

AVweb's Glenn Pew takes you inside the cockpit on a guided tour with an active U-2 pilot. The Lockheed U-2 has been in service for over 50 years. It has been at the center of some of the most tense moments in America's history. The Air Force lists specifications for the aircraft as follows: General Characteristics Primary Function: High-altitude reconnaissance Contractor: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Power Plant: One General Electric F118-101 engine Thrust: 17,000 pounds Wingspan: 105 feet (32 meters) Length: 63 feet (19.2 meters) Height: 16 feet (4.8 meters) Weight: 16,000 pounds Maximum Takeoff Weight: 40,000 pounds (18,000 kilograms) Fuel Capacity: 2,950 gallons Payload: 5,000 pounds Speed: 410+ miles per hour Range: 7,000+ miles (6,090+ nautical miles) Ceiling: Above 70,000 feet (21,212+ meters) Crew: One (two in trainer models) Unit Cost: Classified Initial operating capability: 1956 Inventory: Active force, 33 (5 two-seat trainers and two ER-2s operated by NASA); Reserve, 0; ANG, 0