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380AEW Article

Photo essay: U-2 Dragon Lady completes mission

  • Published
  • By By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  A U-2 Dragon Lady, assigned to the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, went on a mission from a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia on Jan. 23, 2010.

According to its Air Force fact sheet, the U-2 is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude/near space reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft providing signals, imagery and electronic measurements and signature intelligence. The plane, which flies up to altitudes of 70,000 feet, is also capable of gathering a variety of imagery, including multi-spectral electro-optic, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar products which can be stored or sent to ground exploitation centers. In addition, it also supports high-resolution, broad-area synoptic coverage provided by the optical bar camera producing traditional film products which are developed and analyzed after landing.

The U-2s deployed to the 99th ERS in Southwest Asia are a part of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The 380th AEW 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 wing supports Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

In this photo essay, see how U-2 pilots get ready, to the aircraft departing and then returning to base.