Daunting images of a formidable U-2 spy plane were released today after the aircraft was spotted landing at an RAF base in the UK yesterday.
The pictures have sent plane spotters into a spin after seeing it touch down at RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire.
The mystic surrounding the aircraft, nicknamed Dragon Lady, is increasing after it arrived to the UK having been on an unknown mission.
The United States Air Force aircraft used for a range of special sonar duties, including providing 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 spy plane “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, report Birmingham Live.
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.
Routinely flown at altitudes over 70,000 feet, the U-2 pilot must wear a full pressure suit similar to those worn by astronauts.
According to the U.S. Air Force the U-2 has the “widely accepted title as the most difficult aircraft in the world to fly.”
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