Didn’t Know It Could Do That: U-2 Landing and Taking Off From A Carrier!

The U-2 was studied for use aboard aircraft carriers to extend its range, but this idea was not used operationally. Here, a U-2 lands on a carrier using an arresting hook. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The U-2 was studied for use aboard aircraft carriers to extend its range, but this idea was not used operationally. Here, a U-2 lands on a carrier using an arresting hook. (U.S. Air Force photo)

The U-2 spy plane, Dragon Lady, is notoriously difficult to land because it has a tendency to hover over the runway and is very susceptible to any type of turbulence. As it approaches the runway, the cushion of air provided by the high-lift wings begins the stall effect to reduce lift on the wings and helps to provide equal stall effects, thereby minimizing wing drop, especially during strong winds.

Landing a U-2 is so difficult that, on land, a chase car and a second U-2 pilot are assisting the U-2 pilot in the air with the angle of descent, decreasing aircraft speed, and altitude height as the aircraft descends.

Another surprising aspect of the Dragon Lady spy plane is the landing gear itself. When it has safely landed you will see that, instead of the typical three wheel landing gear, the U-2 uses a bicycle wheel formation with the primary front wheels situated just behind the pilot’s cockpit and the main set of rear wheels behind the engine.

The first U-2G landed on the USS Ranger on Mar. 2, 1964 when it was sailing off the Californian coast. The pilot first performed a touch and go before setting it down on the deck with amazing skill.

In this incredible footage you will see multiple carrier take offs and landings, which made the pilot officially carrier qualified!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8HMPMYL19E

Joris Nieuwint

Joris Nieuwint is a battlefield guide for the Operation Market Garden area. His primary focus is on the Allied operations from September 17th, 1944 onwards. Having lived in the Market Garden area for 25 years, he has been studying the events for nearly as long. He has a deep understanding of the history and a passion for sharing the stories of the men who are no longer with us.

@joris1944 facebook.com/joris.nieuwint