Lockheed U-2D "Dragon Lady" - Beale AFB, Marysville, CA - Static Aircraft Displays on Waymarking.com

The Lockheed U-2 "Dragon Lady" is a single-seat, single-engine, very high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the US Air Force (USAF) and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It provides day and night, very high-altitude (70,000 feet), all-weather intelligence gathering. The aircraft is also used for electronic sensor research and development, satellite calibration, and satellite data validation.

The first flight occurred at Groom Lake (Area 51) on 1 August 1955, during what was only intended to be a high-speed taxi run. The sailplane-like wings were so efficient that the aircraft jumped into the air at 70 knots (81 mph); the aircraft entered service in 1957.

U-2D s/n 56-6714 was one of 86 aircraft built by Lockheed Corp, Burbank, CA. It was originally built as a U-2A and was subsequently modified to U-2B, then U2C and finally U-2D. This aircraft was written off on 31 January 1980 when USAF Pilot, Edward I Beaumont, lost consciousness while on a training flight. The aircraft glided earthward, followed by a chase aircraft, until it hit some high tension electrical lines causing the U-2 to slowly spiral to the ground. Having regained consciousness by the sudden jolt of hitting the ground, the pilot exited the aircraft. This U-2D is now mounted on pylon at Beale AFB, CA.

Specifications:
Crew: 1
Power Plant: 1× 19,000 lbf GE F118-GE-101 turbofan
Dimensions:
- Span: 103' 0"
- Length: 63' 0"
- Height: 16' 0"
Weight:
- Empty: 14,300 lb
- Maximum: 40,000 lb
Performance:
- Speed:
- - Max: 500 mph
- - Cruise: 429 mph
- Range: 6,405 miles
- Ceiling: 70,000 ft
- Climb: 15,000 fpm

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Type of Aircraft: (make/model): Lockheed U-2D "Dragon Lady" Tail Number: (S/N): s/n 56-6714 Construction:: original aircraft Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): Located on Beale AFB, Marysville, CA inside / outside: outside Access restrictions: Located at the intersection of Warren Shingle Rd& C St, Beale AFB, Marysville, CA Other Information:: Not listed

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