These daunting images show a U-2 spy plane landing at RAF Fairford on Tuesday.
The distinctive US Air Force aircraft, nicknamed "Dragon Lady", touched down at the air base close to Swindon after completing an unknown mission.
The U-2 provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in “direct support of U.S. and allied forces.”
According to the U.S. Air Force, the aircraft “delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities.”
Despite its capabilities, it is unconfirmed whether Monday’s flight was a spying mission as the absence of a ‘bump’ above the cockpit suggested some sensors were not fitted.
A chase car can be seen, as the pilot is relying on landing on the single wheel, so the chase car, with another U2 pilot inside, will call out the height to go before landing on runway.
Routinely flown at altitudes over 70,000 feet, the U-2 pilot must wear a full pressure suit similar to those worn by astronauts.
According to the US Air Force the U-2 has the “widely accepted title as the most difficult aircraft in the world to fly.”
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