The National Museum of the United States Air Force notes that "Lockheed's secretive 'Skunk Works' plant in California, under the direction of designer Kelly Johnson, proposed a new jet called the Model CL-282. The design had very long, high-efficiency wings and was lightweight enough to carry heavy cameras to altitudes over 70,000 feet, or about 13 miles." The museum also mentioned that the CIA accepted Lockheed’s design and used "Aquatone" as its codename.
On July 17th, 1956, Herbert I. Miller wrote a memorandum to the CIA project director suggesting that the elevated level of intelligence value from the U-2 program could benefit the United States. He stated: “In this light, the danger to our international relations appears to be far greater if we do not carry out the AQUATONE plan than if we do carry it out.”
Over time, various types of Pratt & Whitney jet engines powered the U-2 until General Electric's F188-101 engine became standard. Advancements led to models such as U-2R and TU-2U for training and tactical reconnaissance. Currently upgraded with significant investments including $1.7 billion for adding General Electric’s F188-101 engine, these models are classified as "S."
Additionally, NASA operates two Airborne Science ER-2 aircraft for satellite verification and other science-related missions. NASA has reported that “since Aug. 31, 1971, NASA U-2s and ER-2s have flown more than 4,500 data missions and test flights in support of scientific research.”
General Characteristics
Primary function: High-altitude reconnaissance
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
Power plant: One General Electric F118-101 engine
Thrust: 17,000 pounds
Wingspan: 105 feet (32 meters)
Length: 63 feet (19.2 meters)
Height: 16 feet (4.8 meters)
Weight: 16,000 pounds
Maximum takeoff weight: 40,000 pounds (18,000 kilograms)
Fuel capacity: 2,950 gallons
Payload: 5,000 pounds
Speed: 410 mph
Range: More than 7,000 miles (6,090 nautical miles)
Ceiling: Above 70,000 feet (21,212+ meters)
Crew: One (two in trainer models)
Unit cost: Classified
Initial operating capability: 1956
Inventory: Active force -33; Reserve -0; ANG -
The SR-71 Blackbird
In 1966, Lockheed Corporation introduced another reconnaissance aircraft—the SR-71 “Blackbird.” This aircraft served both USAF and NASA until their retirements in January1990 due to decreasing defense budgets and high operational costs.
Developed from Lockheed A-12's black project—a covert military undertaking—the SR-71 acquired its name due to its unique black paint formulated to absorb radar signals while radiating airframe heat generated by air friction at high altitudes.
"The Blackbirds were designed to cruise at Mach3.2," noted NASA,“just over three times speed of sound or more than2200miles per hour at altitudes up85 thousandfeet.” With speeds reaching Mach3.2(2190mph),theSR71 remains one highest fastest aircraft ever built.
Technical Notes
Speed Mach3 .22+(2200+ mph3530+kph)@80k ft(24000 m)
Combat Range290nmi(540 km),
Ferry Range320nmii(592km),
Service ceiling11 ,810ft/min60m/s,
Payload350lbsensors160kg),
Both reconnaissance aircraft represent some best technology,pilots,and stealth capabilities,making them formidable forces within skies despite differing service statuses today.
Alerts Sign-up
