For all those that aren’t aware the current U-2S (TR-1) aircraft were manufactured during the 1980s . They are very different from the original U-2 aircraft of the late 1950s. In fact they represent the 3rd major generation of U-2 aircraft. The latest U-2S aircraft were upgraded in early 2000s with more advanced turbofan engine, GPS and other avionics. The sensor pods have continuously evolved with new optical , infrared, air sampling, radars and other detection technologies equipment. So NO, it’s not a 70 year old aircraft, at most 40 for the airframe, but other equipment is very new.
@@SpacialKatana well, there’s a lot of people in the comments who keep calling it a 60yr old airplane….its not. My source was not wiki, but rather various historical aviation websites including Lockheed Martin, Lyon Air Museum and Museum of the USAF at Wright - Patterson
I used to watch them take off from Mildenhall when I was working there, they would start to climb like a homesick angel before levelling out. Always impressive.
What a stunning sky😮. Also amazing to see a B2 in the foreground with a U2 taking off. Another example of TCS going the extra mile to get different aircraft for us…..thank you Nikos 🫡
The flashing lights are on the chase cars used at every take off and landing of a U2, check out James Mays documentary on going to the edge of space to dramatically see how they operate,l😁
The U2 can fly for 14 hours without the need for AAR but bear in mind of fatigue to the pilot. I think they can AAR but would be pointless as this would mean more oxygen for the pilot and as mentioned fatigue. I believe they can (or at least have done in the past) but there is no need for it.
What's the difference between the two bases? Lakenheath and Fairford? Prize Norton has the big planes, seemingly. So Fairford has the B-1 and U-2 flights? I get confused about which bases do what. LOL
RAF Lakenheath has permanent units based there. RAF Fairford is a forward operating location where bombers and the likes of the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft are temporarily deployed by the US Air Force.
Great camera work, mate. It's crazy to think the U-2 -- now over 60 years old -- is our last connection to the famed Century Series fighters of the 1950's. To save time, Lockheed engineers took some elements (the inlets for one), plus the engine, from the F-104.
@@TedConingsby that’s so awesome I didn’t think the U/2 took off from England thank you for reminding us of this fantastic opportunity to see this amazing aircraft you are so passionate about aircraft I truly appreciate it very much ❤️ from Scotland 🏴 Alan.B. ❤️🏴🇬🇧
Immensely loud on take off. Roars to its altitude. But really surprisingly it's not as powerful as you think. Just shows you what mythical status an Aircraft can gain with the levels of secrecy applies. Thanks for the filming of this. No:- 797
It’s not meant to worry about spies at a few miles away from its take off airfield, police deal with things like that. The U2 can fly in excess of 70,000ft so I doubt you’ll see or hear that
I love the U-2S with all its antennas and sensors. Beautiful beast!
Ooohhhh yeah
Spy plane -"Still Haven't Found What I Am Looking For". Another TCS legendary clip. Thanks Ted.
Ooohhh yeah
The Dragon Lady has left the building what a glorious site outstanding thanks Nikos and Ted.
Ooohh yeah
Absolutely cool U-2S Dragonlady pulling up fast and high 😎😁✨
Never seen the U2 take off before and was impressive Oohh yeah
@@TedConingsby ooo that is super cool , cheers to you Ted !! 😎
@@DougBrighTan_o7
Superb footage!! The Lady sure growls on its climb up into the atmosphere.
Ooohh yeah
I heard one of them has been sent to Poland now with the second (trainer) remaining at Fairford.
For all those that aren’t aware the current U-2S (TR-1) aircraft were manufactured during the 1980s . They are very different from the original U-2 aircraft of the late 1950s. In fact they represent the 3rd major generation of U-2 aircraft. The latest U-2S aircraft were upgraded in early 2000s with more advanced turbofan engine, GPS and other avionics. The sensor pods have continuously evolved with new optical , infrared, air sampling, radars and other detection technologies equipment. So NO, it’s not a 70 year old aircraft, at most 40 for the airframe, but other equipment is very new.
I personally found this comment quite interesting, so thankyou kindly :)
@@SpacialKatana well, there’s a lot of people in the comments who keep calling it a 60yr old airplane….its not.
My source was not wiki, but rather various historical aviation websites including Lockheed Martin, Lyon Air Museum and Museum of the USAF at Wright - Patterson
I used to watch them take off from Mildenhall when I was working there, they would start to climb like a homesick angel before levelling out. Always impressive.
Oohh yeah
What a stunning sky😮. Also amazing to see a B2 in the foreground with a U2 taking off. Another example of TCS going the extra mile to get different aircraft for us…..thank you Nikos 🫡
B1*
@@jacobgreathouse9382 whoops yes of course the B2 is the big wing 🤦♂️
@@captaina8697 Yea! Kinda looks like a triangle
@@jacobgreathouse9382 yep Nikos captured one the other day and there is a video on the channels website
Oiii oiiii thank you so much man
that shape, that silhouette... who would've known a stealthy spy plane would become so... so damn iconic!
Ooohh yeah
U-2 hits different
great video TCS
Oiii oiii thank you so much
although not a "fast jet " that rate of climb always impresses !!!
Oiii oiiii 🤙🏼 sure is
The flashing lights are on the chase cars used at every take off and landing of a U2, check out James Mays documentary on going to the edge of space to dramatically see how they operate,l😁
Cool
Full load out! Long nose, underwing pods and topside sensor. Not often you see that.
hi love that sound and many thanks one question do they mid air refuel ive never seen any videos
The U2 can fly for 14 hours without the need for AAR but bear in mind of fatigue to the pilot. I think they can AAR but would be pointless as this would mean more oxygen for the pilot and as mentioned fatigue. I believe they can (or at least have done in the past) but there is no need for it.
thanks for the reply merry christmas @@TedConingsby
@@michaeljones3512
What's the difference between the two bases? Lakenheath and Fairford? Prize Norton has the big planes, seemingly. So Fairford has the B-1 and U-2 flights? I get confused about which bases do what. LOL
RAF Lakenheath has permanent units based there. RAF Fairford is a forward operating location where bombers and the likes of the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft are temporarily deployed by the US Air Force.
very badass...
Wonder what she would of read of on the decibile metre?
Great camera work, mate. It's crazy to think the U-2 -- now over 60 years old -- is our last connection to the famed Century Series fighters of the 1950's. To save time, Lockheed engineers took some elements (the inlets for one), plus the engine, from the F-104.
Thank you
How often does the U/2 land in the UK 🇬🇧??
They are deployed to Fairford from California right now
@@jacobgreathouse9382 thank you it’s the first time I’ve seen it it’s so cool 👌
They are already deployed to RAF Fairford and have been for a while now. They usually take off around 0800 and don’t come back until crazy o’clock.
@@TedConingsby that’s so awesome I didn’t think the U/2 took off from England thank you for reminding us of this fantastic opportunity to see this amazing aircraft you are so passionate about aircraft I truly appreciate it very much ❤️ from Scotland 🏴 Alan.B. ❤️🏴🇬🇧
@@BRUNO1974
So is this an update of the Gary Powers U2 from the sixties? Thought they would have been mothballed by now, great filming!
Yes, an updated variant. NASA also operate a variant designated ER-2.
Thank you
@@TedConingsby Thanks, Ted! Keep up the great work!
@@Tomteeejay thank you so much
@@TedConingsby 🧸
Immensely loud on take off. Roars to its altitude. But really surprisingly it's not as powerful as you think. Just shows you what mythical status an Aircraft can gain with the levels of secrecy applies. Thanks for the filming of this.
No:- 797
It sure was
U2 weird aircraft, expect it to be quite due to its glider look
One of the U-2's original proponents in the US government who helped get it off the drawing board was a sailplane enthusiast!
That’s what we thought but at 70,000ft will be very quiet
The U2 mission is going to be moving away from Fairford soon :(
Few Brit’s will know that this is a Canberra on Steroids courtesy of 1950s Lockheed. So British-American engineering.
Not a very good spy plane sounding like that hear that from miles away lol
It flys at 70,000 feet😂
It’s not meant to worry about spies at a few miles away from its take off airfield, police deal with things like that. The U2 can fly in excess of 70,000ft so I doubt you’ll see or hear that
Oohh yeah