The Hidden History of U-2 Planes: Surprising Facts You Might Not Know

U-2 planes are an enigma, shrouded in secrecy for decades. From their inception to their current operational status, these aircraft have a myriad of fascinating details that remain unknown to many. This article delves into some of the most intriguing and little-known aspects of the U-2, shedding light on the CIA's pivotal role and the unique challenges faced by its pilots.

1. The Naming Clue: Why 'Pilots' Were Not the Right Term

A Secret Term of Endearment: In the early days of the U-2 program, the pilots were not referred to as pilots. They were called 'drivers.' This term underscores the nature of the missions - precision cruising at high altitudes, often requiring manual adjustment and control rather than the typical auto-pilot systems. Budget constraints also compelled the use of cheaper, less experienced personnel, including Greek and Polish nationals. However, their proficiency was poor, and thus, the Greek pilots were eventually dropped from the program by late 1955, leaving only two to potentially fly the aircraft.

Requirements and Challenges: Even the USAF and Navy, who eventually operated the U-2, used these aircraft under the CIA's banner. President Eisenhower opposed using traditional USAF pilots on the U-2, favoring the unconventional route of selecting highly skilled drivers. This scenario illustrates the unique blend of technology, covert operations, and specialized training required for such missions.

2. Engineering Marvels and Innovative Designs

The Fuselage from Another Plane: One of the most surprising aspects of the U-2 is its fuselage design. Derived from the F-104, the plane was meticulously engineered to reduce every ounce of weight. To achieve this, the tail was attached using a mere three bolts. This lightweight design allowed the U-2 to ascend higher, with each foot of weight savings increasing the maximum altitude by one foot. The plane's performance was truly a testament to engineering innovation.

The 'Coffin Corner': Another unique characteristic of the U-2 is its 'coffin corner.' This term signifies the critical range of minimum and maximum speeds at which the plane can safely fly at a specific altitude. At times, the coffin corner was as narrow as 5 knots. Pilots described it as a highly demanding aircraft to fly, requiring exceptional skill and concentration. This characteristic made the U-2 both a marvel and a challenge for the pilots entrusted with its operation.

3. NASA Borrowed from the U-2 Program

Space Suit Strategy: The U-2 plane didn't just revolutionize intelligence gathering; it also had an unexpected impact on space exploration. NASA had to borrow suits from the U-2 for the first shuttle mission. These suits, built by the David Clark Company, are actually not designed for space but are essentially the same pressure suits used in the U-2 and SR-71 programs. These suits were borrowed for the NASA Space Shuttle STS-1 mission, featuring the Columbia.

A Unique Solution to a Problem: Before the STS-1 mission, a defect was detected in the suits NASA was preparing for the STS-1 pilots. Since it was also the maiden flight and a test, there was no time to fix the defects. NASA approached Beale Air Force Base for a solution. This led to the U-2 pilots wearing their yellow “pressure suits” for the historic shuttle launch, instead of the original planned NASA white suits. The crew photos from the mission show the pilots in high visibility yellow suits, which were essentially U-2 suits. These suits were noted for their high visibility and the green Velcro patches on the thighs, originally used for map boards and notes.

Conclusion: The U-2 plane's history is a fascinating blend of military innovation, technological precision, and unexpected interagency collaborations. From being referred to as 'drivers' to the unique suits worn by NASA astronauts, these aircraft continue to captivate us with their hidden history. As the U-2 continues to support various intelligence agencies worldwide, its legacy serves as a reminder of the critical role aviation plays in modern surveillance and defense strategies.