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LATEST VERSION: The current aircraft is 40% larger than the original U-2. The single-seat, single-engine, glider-like plane has a length of 63 ft. and a wingspan of 103 ft. Each plane costs an estimated $34 million, and 36 are on active duty...
...Saddam Hussein wants to shoot 'em down. Even the most modern flyby satellites can't compete with this old aerial war-horse, which can skirt space 13 or more miles above the earth, peer at bad guys for eight hours or longer, plus take the most detailed photos. A U-2 primer...
NOMENCLATURE: The government originally said it was a weather-reconnaissance aircraft and labeled the plane U for utility. U.S. pilots call it the Dragon Lady. The Soviets dubbed the planes the black ladies of espionage. (No, the band, bottom, didn't take its name from the plane; band members just liked the sound...
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Limited. There are only about 60 U-2 pilots, and just 39% of applicants get the job. Home base: Beale A.F.B. in California...
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Near outer space. The U-2 can fly above 70,000 feet. Its cruising speed is a relatively slow 430 m.p.h., which can make it vulnerable (seven have been shot down), and its range is more than 4,000 miles. Dress code for pilots: a full-pressure astronaut-like suit when flying. They breathe 100% oxygen and wear UCDs--urinary-collection devices--for obvious reasons...