Synopsis
The remarkable Lockheed Martin U-2 high-flying spyplane celebrated its 73d birthday in 2023. But today’s U-2 is a fully modernized reconnaissance aircraft, capable of serving the U.S. and its allies for years to come, although the US Air Force wants to retire it in 2026. Chris Pocock has followed the Dragon Lady for 40 years. He has flown in the jet, and talked to hundreds of U-2 pilots, maintainers, managers and commanders. His previous book, “50 Years of the U-2”, is the standard reference on the aircraft’s history. Now he updates the story, in a richly-illustrated book with over 200 charts and photos, most of them previously unpublished.