These daunting images show a U-2 spy plane landing at RAF Fairford. The distinctive United States Air Force aircraft, nicknamed Dragon Lady, touched down at the Gloucestershire air base after completing an unknown mission.
The U-2 provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in “direct support of U.S. and allied forces.” According to the U.S. Air Force, the aircraft “delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities.”
Despite its capabilities, it is unconfirmed whether Monday’s flight was a spying mission as the absence of a ‘bump’ above the cockpit suggested some sensors were not fitted. A chase car can be seen, as the pilot is relying on landing on the single wheel, so the chase car, with another U2 pilot inside, will call out the height to go before landing on runway.
