The U-2R, first flown in 1967, is significantly larger and more capable than the original aircraft. A tactical reconnaissance version, the TR-1A, first flew in August 1981. A distinguishing feature of these aircraft is the addition of a large instrumentation "superpod" under each wing.

The U-2 provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in direct support of U.S. and allied forces. It delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities.

The U-2R is a single-place, single engine aircraft built by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. The airplane is an improved design which utilizes the salient features of the U-2C model. The improvements made have been in the use of a larger wing, higher thrust available, increased payload flexibil- ity and higher fuel capacity.

Aug 31, 2004 · U-2R: Larger version of original U-2. Designed with carrier capability from outset with RX107 Hook Kit installed.

One of the United States’ most secret aerial reconnaissance platforms for more than half a century, the storied U-2 Dragon Lady still flies some of the U.S. military’s most sensitive spy...

Feb 1, 2001 · Several more CIA pilots became carrier-qualified over the next few years, but the only significant event concerned a change in aircraft when the program went to the U-2R. The U-2R variant, which entered service in 1967, was 40 percent larger than the earlier U-2.

The U-2 provides continuous day or night, high-altitude, all-weather, stand-off surveillance of an area in direct support of U.S. and allied ground and air forces. It provides critical intelligence to decision makers through all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, crises, low-intensity conflict and large-scale ...

[2.2] u-2r * By 1963, attrition had greatly whittled down the U-2 fleet. Lockheed was working on the high-speed "A-12" for the CIA, which would also lead to the Air Force's "SR-71", and so didn't have resources to pump into a truly new version of the U-2.

Feb 9, 2024 · The DOD has told Congress that retirement of the U-2 fleet will save $600 million annually. Meanwhile, actions to retire the Dragon Lady fleet have already begun, although NASA wants to keep its two ER-2 research aircraft in service.

HobbyBoss model kit in scale 1:48, 81740 is a NEW tool released in 2023 | Contents, Previews, Reviews, History + Marketplace | Lockheed U-2 | EAN: 6939319217400