U2 - Dragon Lady Block 20 in operation - no UAV's wanted here

The U2 community is a tight-knit group with less than 850 pilots since 1955. The newly delivered Block 20 U-2 "Dragon Lady" was specifically designed to carry reconnaissance payloads to extremely high altitudes. The Block 20 U-2 can carry thousands of pounds of reconnaissance sensors to more than 70,000 feet, and remain aloft for more than 10 hours. It also signals the immense resustance to handing over the reconaissance role entirely to pilotless UAV's.

"The Block 20 aircraft is a new, modern cockpit with a computer on board that analyzes and displays a lot more information on three, 6-by-8-inch multi-function displays and two smaller displays," said Lt. Col. Lars Hoffman, 5th Reconnaissance Squadron commander.

"The (displays) can be configured for information pilots desire in the layouts they prefer," the colonel said. "Examples of information include altitude and navigation information, engine performance, moving map with mission course overlay, electronic checklists, diagnostic information on all aircraft systems and reconnaissance sensors, and multiple radio frequencies and settings."

They says it's like trading in a typewriter for a word processor as they upgrade from Block 10 to Block 20 aircraft.

The U2, has provided high-altitude reconnaissance for over 50 years, has one of the highest mission completion rates in the U.S. Air Force despite the fact that the aircraft is one of the most difficult to fly because of its challenging takeoff and landing characteristics.

It may require 10 - 30 people to launch. A mobile pilot is in charge of getting the pilot airborne and back on the ground. They act as a safety observer and ensure a safe launch and recovery.

The most difficult to land aircraft in the Air Force inventory requires the use of a high performance chase car (see pic) with a second pilot at the end of the runway as the aircraft makes it landing approach. As the U-2 passes, the chase car follows it at high speed, with the "mobile" calling out the aircraft's altitude via radio to the pilot.

Within 2 feet of the runway the pilot has to maintain level flight and then stall and allow a wingtip to touch the ground.