The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed "Dragon Lady", is an American single-jet engine, high altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It provides day and night, high-altitude (70,000 feet, 21,300 meters), all-weather intelligence gathering.

The U-2 is nicknamed the Dragon Lady for good reason. You never knew what to expect when you took it into the air, no matter how seasoned a pilot you were. This was an unfortunate consequence of its design. The trade-off of a plane built light enough to fly above 70,000 feet is that it is almost impossible to control.

A 65 years old aircraft, the Lockheed U-2 has been working hard to protect the USA through its reconnaissance mission. Today, the U-2 continues to defy the possible. It continues to fill an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance role, an essential element shaping the future battlespace.

While the Lockheed U-2 will still be continuing its service, another hard-working "Dragon Lady" will be saying her goodbye. Hopefully, just like the U-2, she will be able to spread her wings and fly high in her future career.
See U-2 Again, Dragon Lady