 The
Lockheed U-2, an aircraft that grabbed headlines and imaginations during
the height of the Cold War and still is a key “eye in the sky” for
the U.S. military, is the latest major aircraft to join the long list of
featured airplanes at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, “The World’s
Greatest Aviation Celebration.”
EAA AirVenture, the 55th annual edition
of the Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, will take
place July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
This year’s arrival of the U-2 marks
the first appearance at Oshkosh since 1997 for the sleek aircraft, which
has been in use in various configurations since August 1955. The U-2 is
currently scheduled to be at EAA AirVenture on July 26-29 and will be
parked on the event’s showcase AeroShell Square. In addition, a U.S.
Air Force’s T-38 used in support of U-2 missions will also be part of
the display.
“We look forward to welcoming the U-2
back to Oshkosh this year, as we commemorate the U.S. Air Force’s 60th
anniversary,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA president and AirVenture
chairman. “The airplane’s unique shape and flying capabilities, not
to mention its history and rarity for up-close viewing, makes it a
popular draw. Only at EAA AirVenture can one see the U-2 and scores of
other airplanes that have made history in one location.”
A U-2 aircraft was involved in one of the
most suspenseful episodes of the Cold War, when one piloted by the late
Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the then-Soviet Union in 1960. An
exhibit of some of Powers’ memorabilia, including that from a Soviet
prison, was on display at the EAA AirVenture Museum in 2002 and 2003.
Pilot Maj. Jon “Huggy” Huggins, EAA
562929, is scheduled to fly the U-2 to EAA AirVenture. The aircraft, one
of just 33 that exist - including five two-seat trainers and two ER-2
models operated by NASA - is based at Beale Air Force Base in
California. The single-seat models flown by the Air Force provide
continuous day or night, high-altitude, all-weather surveillance for
both combat and peacetime operations.
Long, wide, straight wings give the U-2
glider-like characteristics. It can carry a variety of sensors and
cameras, is an extremely reliable reconnaissance aircraft, and enjoys a
high mission completion rate. Because of its high altitude mission, the
pilot must wear a full pressure suit. The U-2 is capable of collecting
multi-sensor photo, electro-optic, infrared and radar imagery, as well
as performing other types of reconnaissance functions.
Along with the U-2, a number of other Air
Force aircraft will participate in the 60th anniversary commemoration
activities at EAA AirVenture. Those aircraft will be announced as their
appearances are finalized.
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