Lockheed U-2

Variants

The U-2R, first flown in 1967, is significantly larger and more capable than the original aircraft. A tactical reconnaissance version, the TR-1A, first flew in August 1981. Designed for standoff tactical reconnaissance in Europe, the TR-1A was structurally identical to the U-2R. The 17th Reconnaissance Wing, Royal Air Force Station Alconbury, England used operational TR-1As from 1983 until 1991. The last U-2 and TR-1 aircraft were delivered to the Air Force in October 1989. In 1992 all TR-1s and U-2s (all U-2Rs) were designated U-2Rs. The trainer variant of the TR-1, the TR-1B, was redesignated as the TU-2R. After re-engining with the F-118-101 engine, the former U-2Rs were designated the U-2S Senior Year.

Related Topics:
1967 - 1981 - Royal Air Force Station Alconbury - 1983 - 1991 - 1989 - 1992

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A derivative of the U-2 known as the ER-2 (Earth Resources -2) is used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for high altitude civilian research including Earth resources, celestial observations, atmospheric chemistry and dynamics, and oceanic processes.

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