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NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
Lockheed U-2 aircraft hold the current unlimited single engine aircraft altitude record of 68,700 feet.  This was set on Nov. 24, 1998.  The Lockheed U-2 is the world's highest flying single engine piloted aircraft.

Lockheed U-2 aircraft first flew flew on Aug. 6, 1955.  Updated Lockheed U-2 aircraft are still flying today.

Lockheed U-2 aircraft are primarily used for intelligence gathering. Lockheed U-2 aircraft have also been used for high altitude atmospheric research, global resources mapping, electronics, and satellite research and development.

Lockheed U-2 development dates back to the early 1950's. At the time the U.S.A.F. was looking for a high altitude, long range aircraft to fly reconnaissance over the Soviet Union, out of the range of conventional interceptors and surface to air missiles.

Lockheed U-2 aircraft were deployed in 1956 to fly over the Soviet Union. The over flights contributed greatly to intelligence information. Shortly after they started, sufficient information was gathered to show that the United States and the Soviet Union had roughly equal numbers of long range missiles. Prior to the flights it was thought that the U.S. was far behind in long range missile deployment.

The Lockheed U-2 is probably best remembered as the aircraft that was downed by surface to air missiles while being flown over Russia by Francis Gary Powers on May 1, 1960.  The Lockheed U-2 is also remembered as the aircraft that discovered the build-up of missiles in Cuba on Aug. 29, 1962.

Lockheed U-2 aircraft were constantly gathering intelligence information on their flights over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.
 
Today Lockheed U-2 aircraft provide for the surveillance of areas of importance, primarily in the Middle East.

A total of 86 Lockheed U-2 aircraft were built of which 35 are still flying.


ER-2 Specifications

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research
one
1 x 17,000 lbs.
62' 1"
103' 4"
14,900 lbs.
41,000 lbs.
2,170 lbs.
460 mph
510 mph
15,000 fpm
60,000 + feet
7,000 miles
1989
 

Radio Control Airplane

RC Airplane built by Simon Crocker.

Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
Pictured above is a RC Lockheed U-2 slope soarer airplane built by Simon Cocker from Uncle Willies Plans. The radio control airplane is 1/8 scale, has a wing span of 126" and a length of 75". Simon's RC Airplane is done in the colors of the U-2 flown by Francis Gary Powers .

In the picture below is the scratch built model of a two seat Lockheed U-2 trainer radio control airplane built by C.E. Torca. The RC Airplane has a wing span of 100" and a weight of 90 oz. Power for the radio control airplane is by two EDF 2W-20 motors driving Wemotec minifans.

In the last picture below is Steve Greenfield of California Sailplanes with their 60" wing span rc Lockheed U-2 airplane for slope soaring.  Construction of the radio control airplane is from EPP foam. To fly the RC Airplane you will need winds of at least 10 mph on your slope and it helps to have at least intermediate radio control airplane flying experience.

If you have have a favorite RC Lockheed U-2 airplane, or know of any other Lockheed U-2 radio control airplane plans, kits or ARF's, please email us us about them.

Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane built by C.E. Torca.
 
Radio Control Airplane
RC Airplane built by Steve Greenfield.