I simply went to the original story and posted from there.
Posted on 08/02/2025 8:30:38 AM PDT by texas booster
“I’m proud to be a part of this record flight and put ULTRALORD’s vision into reality”, said Johnson, 1st RS mission planner. “This flight’s length makes it more difficult than usual so there were special challenges to overcome in its planning”.
This flight was also instrumental in improving the 1st RS’s relatively new mission planning software to plan for more complex missions. The software has not been used for a flight this long before, or with so many factors to account for.
Beyond testing the limits of the U-2 or the mission planning software, this historic flight would also pose unique challenges to the many personnel it takes to conduct U-2 operations. Alongside the pilots and mission planner, members of the 9th Physiological Support Group (PSPTS), and the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) found themselves overcoming and adjusting for the parameters of a record-breaking U-2 flight.
The 9th PSPTS provides the specialized support needed for U-2 pilots to fly at such daunting altitudes, such as maintenance of the high-altitude full pressure suits that protect the pilots. The 9th AMXS maintain the U-2 fleet, providing needed repairs for the aircraft and preparing them for flight, earning them the nickname “Dragon Keepers”.
“We already have to be perfect on every single flight, so with this one it just meant maintaining that standard of excellence,” said Technical Sgt. Christopher Burdi, 9th PSPTS physiological support detachment launch recovery team. “We had to ensure no incidents would occur for a longer flight than ever before, and that required more care, and more resources than usual, but it was nothing we couldn’t handle or continue to. Like I said, we’re already used to performing at a level of perfection.”
That same standard of excellence also applies to maintenance work by the 9th AMXS. One single mistake could cost the pilot’s life and the aircraft, as special precautions were taken to ensure the expected durability and longevity of the U-2.
In addition to truly showcasing the capabilities of the famed U-2 aircraft, this flight served to honor its 70-year legacy. It paid tribute to all those who had gone before and earned the privilege to be a member of the U-2 community. The Dragon Lady is one of the most difficult planes to fly due to its unique design, requiring a chase car to assist in landing. Just over 1,000 pilots have qualified to fly this aircraft, making it a tight-knit community.
As part of this tribute, the flight also honored fallen U-2 pilots who made the ultimate sacrifice to their country by including specific flight paths over certain states, such as over the homes of families these pilots are remembered by. This was emphasized by “ULTRALORD” after he touched down, noting the U-2 mission is only possible from the team efforts of all those serving today and all those who have come before.
“The incredible thing about this flight is that it shows not only the capabilities of the U-2, but that of our Air Force’s most important asset, it’s people”, said Col. Keagan McLeese, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander. “Our Airmen demonstrated they are mission-ready in using the skills, adaptability, and innovation it takes to generate global air power.”
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I simply went to the original story and posted from there.
It looks like it’s missing some landing gear.
The U2 uses a bicycle type landing gear with a titanium skid attached to the bottom of each wingtip.
Here’s a question. Not really related, though kinda. Ever notice he is only ever referred to by his full name as “Francis Gary Powers”, in articles, the U-2 pilot shot down by the Soviets.
Sort of like he is a mass murderer? I’d think he liked to be called “Frank” too, but I didn’t know him. Just wondering!
Another pilot was shot down and killed during the 1962 missile crisis over Cuba. Nobody remembers his name.
“It looks like it’s missing some landing gear”
Nope, that’s the right amount. The gear on the wings (pogos) falls off after liftoff. The aircraft lands on basically three wheels under the fuselage and is assisted by an automobile chasing after the aircraft talking to the pilot. When the aircraft reaches a slow enough speed the installed titanium patches on the wings skid and protect the wings. It’s quite show.
wy69
They fell off on takeoff.
It has skids on the wingtips for landing and uses droppable wheels for takeoff. At around 25 seconds you can see the taxi and takeoff. U-2 video Unfortunately it doesn't show much after touchdown on landing.
Worked in Mtn View in the 70’s. U2’s used to take off from Moffett (virtually given to Google by the bampster). They were loud and climbed out at what looked like 45 deg.
True for the landing configuration.
For takeoff it also uses two detachable "Pogos" small dual wheel assembles under each wing. These are released and recovered as soon as the U2 becomes airborne on takeoff.
Maj Rudolf Anderson Jr
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Anderson
I lived in Mtn View in the ‘90’s, about a mile south of the runway. Take offs were awesome. Yes, loud, with a seemingly 45 deg climb, maintained until they were out of sight. I could still hear them (on quiet mornings) for many minutes more.
👍
I lived in Sacramento. One day in high school in the 1980s, a beautiful SR-71 flew straight over my school really low on an approach to Beale. Me and my computer nerd friends were really jazzed to see that, but when we tried to explain what coolness we had just seen to other kids, they were so incredibly ignorant of what we were processing at that moment.
That’d put you near the golf course. True?
Sooo, I’m assuming that they had to refuel at least a few times? No mention of the tankers?
I know this may be stupid but the plane took off from Beale and landed at Beale
So did it zigzag across US just so it could touch all contiguous states?
Thank you for posting that.Explains it.
What is the purpose of the car following it?
Also it all looks kind of Jerry rigged but maybe at the time it was the best that could be done
bkmk
“What is the purpose of the car following it?”
The car is talking directly to the pilot in the aircraft letting him know when he is about touch ground and helping him direct the aircraft on the ground as there are blind spots.
For the first number of years the U2 and TR were used it was even more interesting as the chase car was either a El Camino or a Ranchero (suped) and they actually caught a wing on their back end and slowed with the aircraft until it was stopped and the pegos were put in to taxi the aircraft. I got to ride in the Chevy they used at Beale a couple of times When I was assigned there in the 70’s and 80’s. The art of doing that at over 100 MPH in the chase down the runway was fascinating.
wy6t9
Off to the side a bit, across 237, in Mtn View.
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