As a demonstration of endurance and operational capacity, the reconnaissance aircraft set the U-2 Dragon Lady Lady new records during a memorial flying on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of its first test flight on August 1, 1955.
According to the US Air Force, the aircraft from the Beale Air Force base relieved the night of July 31 and traveled over 6,000 miles across the 48 consecutive US states, seting a new record for the longest flight in its category – over 14 hours in the air. The mission, called Dragon70, paid tribute to the history of the U-2 program, although it did not beat the height record as originally planned.
+ New Airbus A321XLR aircraft from Iberia damaged after bird collision in Madrid
U-2 was developed during the Cold War for reconnaissance missions over the Soviet Union and remains a central part of military intelligence, despite planned retirement in 2026.
However, its vulnerability to modern air defense systems – especially in conflicts with great powers such as China and Russia – helps to push for the introduction of more advanced technology.
Dragon Lady – famous for the episode in 1960, when Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union – retains its relevance thanks to its versatility. Unlike satellites, U-2 can quickly be replaced and remain in the air for hours above target areas. It is also used in national missions, such as monitoring the border with Mexico.
While the US Air Force is considering the aircraft’s future, this record flight proves that the legendary aircraft is still impressing – even after seven decades.
#DYK: The U-2 “Dragon Lady” can fly to the edge of space! 🐲 🌎
The Air Force recently partnered with content creator @sameckholm to show what it takes to be mission ready at 70,000 feet.
Link available here: 👇https://t.co/uu4BiPQE8a
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) February 20, 2025
Source: The War Zone | Photo: x @usairforce | @Beale Air Force Base. This content is created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial staff.
