Lockheed U-2
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The Lockheed U-2 is a high-altitude reconnaissance built by Lockheed in the USA. It first flew in 1955 and entered service in 1956. Fly higher than fighters and missiles could reach to photograph from the edge of space.
Photo: Lockheed U-2 on Wikipedia (free licence)
- Top speed805 km/h (500 mph)
- Range10,300 km (6,400 miles)
- First flight1955
- Wingspan31.4 m (103 ft)
Lockheed U-2 specs
| Top speed | 805 km/h (500 mph)The Air Force lists more than 410 mph (660 km/h); the figure here is an estimate. |
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| Range | 10,300 km (6,400 miles) |
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| Service ceiling | More than 21,336 m (70,000 ft)Routinely flown above 70,000 ft (Air Force figure); the exact ceiling is not published. |
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| Length | 19.2 m (63 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 31.4 m (103 ft) |
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| Height | 4.9 m (16 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 18 t (39,903 lb) |
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| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot |
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| Engines | 1 × F118 turbofan |
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| First flight | 1955 |
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| Entered service | 1956 |
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| Built by | Lockheed (USA) |
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Lockheed U-2 facts
- It cruises above 21 km (70,000 ft), so high that its pilots wear pressure suits like astronauts.
- It is so hard to land that a chase car races behind it on the runway while another pilot calls out its height.
Quick quiz
When did the Lockheed U-2 first fly?
In 1955.
Who built the Lockheed U-2?
Lockheed, in the USA.
How fast can the Lockheed U-2 fly?
Its top speed is 805 km/h (500 mph).
How far can the Lockheed U-2 fly?
About 10,300 km (6,400 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
Lockheed U-2 vs similar aircraft
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