U-2R Airplane Model. Lockheed U-2 (Dragon Lady) is a single-engine, high-altitude aircraft. The U-2 was flown by the United States Air force (USAF) and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The U-2R, first flown in 1967, is significantly larger and more capable than the original aircraft. The TR-1A is a tactical reconnaissance version flown in August 1981. The TR-1 was structurally identical to the U-2R. The last U-2 and TR-1 aircraft were delivered to the Airforce in October 1989. A distinguishing feature of the two aircrafts is the added "superpod" under each wing. By 1992, all TR-1s and U-2s were redesignated as the U-2R. The U-2 provides a continuous surveillance, day and night. It also provides critical intelligence to decision makers through all phases of conflict such as peacetime indications and warnings, crises and hostilities. The U-2 incorporates a single-seat and engine, a high altitude, reconnaissance aircraft. The U-2 is also capable of collecting multi-sensor photo, electro-optic, infrared and radar imagery. The U-2 is currently being upgraded with a lighter engine and an additional Global Positioning System that superimposes geo-coordinates directly on collected images. The U-2 has a maximum speed of 510 mph and range of 3,500 mi in combat. The U-2 is still in front line service over 50 years after its maiden flight. The U-2 has outlasted its replacement, the Mach 3 SR-71, which retired in 1998. As of January 2006, Donald Rumsfeld, USAF Secretary of Defense, announced the pending retirement of the U-2 fleet. The termination of the U-2 program by the Pentagon will be no earlier than 2011. Dimensions: 11"L x 6"W x 6"H
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