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380AEW Article

Photo essay: Chasing down the U-2 in Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Airmen from the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron use "chase cars" to aid a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot in landing a U-2 during operations at a non-disclosed location in Southwest Asia on March 9, 2010.

According to the Air Force fact sheet on the U-2, the low-altitude handling characteristics of the aircraft and bicycle-type landing gear require precise control inputs during landing. Fforward visibility is also limited due to the extended aircraft nose and "taildragger" configuration.

A second U-2 pilot normally "chases" each landing in a high-performance vehicle, assisting the pilot by providing radio inputs for altitude and runway alignment. These characteristics combine to earn the U-2 a widely accepted title as the most difficult aircraft in the world to fly.

The 99th ERS is part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, In addition to the U-2, the wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, surveillance, and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The U-2s deployed to the 380th AEW and the Airmen associated with the unit are deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif.