1/72 U-2S Dragon Lady USAF 80-1074/BB Fairford 2014

In 1954 Lockheed received approval to produce a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The creation of this aircraft went to Lockheed’s Skunk Works and the famous Kelly Johnson. The aircraft, a single-engine jet that could provide images day or night over Soviet territory, was labeled U-2 (U=utility) and given the name “Dragon Lady”. The first test flight took place in 1955 and was used by the CIA and the USAF during the Cold War. The U-2 came to international notoriety in 1960 when one piloted by Gary Power was shot down over the Soviet Union.

The USAF has deployed the U-2 from the 9th RW at Beale AFB to Fairford AB in Gloucestershire England to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. This move demonstrates the U.S. commitment to allies in the region. U-2 80-1074 was built in 1984 as TR-1A and underwent the PLSS program, transferred to 17th RW in 1990.In 1992 the aircraft was transferred to the 9th RW and in 1996 was reconfigured as a U-2S. This aircraft had taken part in “Operation Desert Storm”.