@ Sacramento, CA
September 2012
A visitor at the 2012 California Capital Airshow was this classic spyplane from nearby Beale AFB, home of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing which operates all the USAF U-2 assets. First flown in 1955, this iconic aircraft has been continually evolving. The U-2R, first flown in 1967, is significantly larger and more capable than the original aircraft. Subsequent engine upgrades resulted in the U-2S designation. The difficulty experienced by the pilots flying the U-2 led to it being called the “Dragon Lady” because the aircraft was extremely unforgiving (either dancing with a lady or fighting a dragon). The emblem of the 9th RW can be seen on the intake cover, the wavy line representing the Rio Grande (and the 1st Aero Squadron’s operations in 1916), along with four black crosses representing four World War I offensives. 104 U-2 aircraft were produced from 1955–1989. Nikon D7000 w/70-200mm.