U-2 'Dragon Lady' Units 1955-90

An illustrated account of the early service of the Lockheed U-2, one of the most important and longest-serving intelligence gathering platforms fielded by the US air force. The U-2 is one of the most recognizable aircraft of the Cold War; nicknamed the ''Dragon Lady'' after the codename given to it by the CIA, this powered glider was designed and operated in great secrecy, providing US authorities with photographic and electronic information from areas of interest across the globe. This illuminating new volume dives deep into the U-2''s most critical missions, exploring its role in the Cuban Missile Crisis, nuclear reconnaissance in the Soviet Union, and intelligence missions in China and North Vietnam.Using previously unpublished research, aviation expert Peter E. Davies examines the operations of one of the landmark aircraft of the 20th century from a fresh and engaging perspective, enhanced by more than 50 photos and 21 newly commissioned profile artworks.>

Product details

• Authors: Peter E. Davies, Peter E Davies
• Assisted by: Gareth Hector (Illustration), Jim Laurier (Illustration), Hector Gareth (Illustration), Laurier Jim (Illustration)
• Publisher: Osprey Publishers
• Content: Book
• Product form: Paperback / Softback
• Publication date: 23.05.2024
• Subject: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous
• EAN: 9781472861689
• ISBN: 978-1-4728-6168-9
• Pages: 96
• Dimensions (packing): 19 x 25 x 1 cm
• Series: Combat Aircraft
• Subjects: USA, China, Vietnam, 1960, 1956, 1962, USAF, Glider, Sam, CIA, TRANSPORTATION / Aviation / History, illustrated, Cold War, Air forces & warfare, Secret Service, Surveillance, USSR, intelligence, reconnaissance, Nuclear, United States of America, USA, Moscow, Francis Gary Powers, Air forces and warfare, Former Soviet Union, USSR (Europe), USSR, Soviet Union, Military history: post-WW2 conflicts, The Cold War, c 1945 to c 2000 (Post-war period), c 1945 to c 1990 (the Cold War period), Aviation skills / piloting, HISTORY / Modern / 20th Century / General, national security, Covert, Cuban Missile Crisis, spy plane, lockheed blackbird, SR-71A, Article 360