"The U-2 spy plane, capable of flying 400 mph, is known for being one of the most difficult planes to operate due to its light frame and unusual 'bicycle' landing gear."
"Pilots have to maintain a strict speed of 460 mph to stay in the thin margin between stalling and high-speed buffeting, also known as 'the coffin corner.'"
"One infamous event involving a U-2 spy mission occurred in 1960 when pilot Francis Gary Powers was shot down, leading to the cancellation of the Paris Summit."
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works is seeking a full-time U-2 spy plane pilot for operations in Palmdale, California. The U-2, known for its challenging operation, has a history of accidents and fatalities. Fewer than 1,500 pilots have flown the aircraft since its inception in the 1950s. Pilots must maintain a speed of 460 mph to avoid stalling and face significant fatigue after long missions. The U-2's reputation stems from its difficult landing gear and the high-stakes nature of its reconnaissance missions.
Read at SFGATE
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