U2 Spy Plane | The Dragon Lady | Cockpit View At 70,000 Feet | At The Edge Of Space with Gary Sinise

The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed "Dragon Lady", is an American single-jet engine, high altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It provides day and night, high-altitude (70,000 feet, 21,300 meters), all-weather intelligence gathering.

TO THE EDGE OF INFINITY - 70,000 FT UP! At that time, Gary Sinise was the highest man on earth. The documentary follows the acclaimed actor and humanitarian as he prepares and travels to the edge of space in U2 spy plane. Gary Sinise’s High Flight is an amazing film that shows how much these American heroes put on the line every time they strap into their plane to do their job of protecting our country. High Flight is a great addition to our Salute to Service initiative, and we are grateful to be able to work with Gary to assist in his tireless efforts working with defenders, veterans, first responders, and their families through his Gary Sinise Foundation. In High Flight, Sinise expresses how honored he is to be invited to ride in the U2 – a trip very few people have ever experienced – and what a thrill it was “for a few moments to be the highest human being on the planet.”

A true voyage to the Edge of Infinity. The film documents Gary sinise's once-in-a-lifetime U2 flight at Beale Air Force Base in June 2011, covering every moment from the day-long training and meetings with the base staff to take-off and landing.

The flight was incredible and the views from 70,000 feet are absolutely breathtaking. Many thanks to Jon Tennyson and Sleeping Dog Productions for producing such an outstanding video.

Lockheed Corporation originally proposed it in 1953, it was approved in 1954, and its first test flight was in 1955. It was flown during the Cold War over the Soviet Union, China, Vietnam, and Cuba. In 1960, Gary Powers was shot down in a CIA U-2C over the Soviet Union by a surface-to-air missile (SAM). Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. was shot down in a U-2 during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.

U-2s have taken part in post-Cold War conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and supported several multinational NATO operations. The U-2 has also been used for electronic sensor research, satellite calibration, scientific research, and communications purposes. The U-2 is one of a handful of aircraft types to have served the USAF for over 50 years, along with the Boeing B-52, Boeing KC-135, and Lockheed C-130. The newest models (TR-1, U-2R, U-2S) entered service in the 1980s, and the latest model, the U-2S, had a technical upgrade in 2012.

Skunk Works produced the U-2 spy plane that could — and still does — collect images from 70,000 feet; the SR-71 Blackbird, an aircraft that could fly at speeds greater than Mach 3; and the F-117 Nighthawk, the first stealth fighter.

For defense tech journalists and aviation nerds, this is the equivalent of a Golden Ticket to Willy Wonka’s factory, but think supersonic drones instead of Everlasting Gobstoppers.

General characteristics:

Crew: 1
Capacity: 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) payload
Length: 63 ft 0 in (19.20 m)
Wingspan: 103 ft (31 m)
Height: 16 ft 0 in (4.88 m)
Wing area: 1,000 sq ft (93 m2)
Airfoil: root: NACA 63A409; tip: NACA 63A406
Empty weight: 16,000 lb (7,257 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 40,000 lb (18,144 kg)
Fuel capacity: 2,950 US gal (2,460 imp gal; 11,200 l)
Powerplant: 1 × General Electric F118-101 turbofan engine, 17,000 lbf (76 kN) thrust
Performance
Cruise mach number: Mach 0.715 (412 kn; 470 mph; 760 km/h) at 72,000 ft (22,000 m)[210]
Cruise speed: 413 kn (475 mph, 765 km/h) at 65,000 ft (20,000 m)
Stall speed: 65 kn (75 mph, 120 km/h)
Range: 6,090 nmi (7,010 mi, 11,280 km) plus
Endurance: 12 hours[212]
Service ceiling: 80,000 ft (24,000 m) plus
Rate of climb: 9,000 ft/min (46 m/s)
Time to altitude: 60,000 ft (18,000 m) in 12 minutes 30 seconds
Lift-to-drag: 25.6
Wing loading: 40 lb/sq ft (200 kg/m2)
Thrust/weight: 0.425
Fuel consumption: 910 lb/h (410 kg/h) in cruise

#u2 #sinise #aircraft

[machstem]

He has literally dedicated his life to the vets. Absolutely admirable

[gerrywood]

Gary Sinise, I am a U.S. Air Force Veteran (1980 - 1992) and it made me proud to see and know of the dedication of the many people who strove to make your flight in the U2 "Dragon Lady" as safe a journey as possible. They didn't sugar coat anything you had to go through to take that flight like they might have some other personality. You made the statement at the end of the video that you wished we could have been there, I can tell you sir, those of us who know were with you from the time you took off, all the way up to 70, 000 feet, and then back down to land on the runway. I am certainly glad that everything that was possible to show on video, from the anxiety you felt to the euphoria you felt while you were literally on the edge of space was allowed to be shown. My last duty station was at Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins, Georgia. I am a Georgia native and a redneck to boot. THANK YOU for what you have done for the Active Military and Veterans like me.

[Drewbert__]

Gary Sinise is a hero. He has dedicated his life to helping and serving our armed forces. Most Hollywood actors haven’t even done half as much as Gary has done for our veterans. This video brought a tear to my eye.

We need more Gary Sinises in the world

[apnira]

I’m not even American but I feel proud of this man. What a fine character.

[woodrowcall]

I can’t think of any civilian more deserving of an honor like this than Gary Sinise. For all he has done, and all he has yet to do for our military. This man is truly one in a million. 🇺🇸 God bless our military men and women. God bless America.🇺🇸

[davidjenkins]

A great man who has found peace with himself. It’s a shame a lot more actors are not like him. Much respect!

[codybrooks]

Fantastic that Gary not only greets, but shakes hands and proudly thanks each service member he encounters. Hes a wonderful man, certainly a grounded and wholesome individual.

[Drewbert__]

What I love most about this video is that Gary never really made it about himself. He took this incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity to highlight the people who make the U2 possible. Gary is very humble and genuine.

[everydayhero]

I like Gary Sinise. He's a good dude who's not a Hollywood shill. There needs to be more people in Hollywood like him.

[johnmooney]

Dear Gary, we are fortunate that when you received a calling, you recognized and embraced it. Our military personnel and our country could not be more grateful. Cheers.

[dirtydanoverland]

This almost brought a tear to my eye. I am a supply troop over in south korea, the U2s are one of our airframes out here and people don't understand how truly incredible these planes are. It's an honor to see them up close!

[billsjapanlife]

Mr. Gary Sinise has been one of the biggest supporters of the U.S. military. With his too numerous to count visits to the bases, performances from the Lt. Dan band, and his wonderful way of story telling that makes you feel that you are there with him. His efforts to support those that choose to serve is greatly appreciated!

[swayjaayy]

This is a dude who truly cares about troops. Doesn't just throw up a bumper sticker on his car or a sign in his yard or post popular memes on his social media. He's out there showing his support.

[lTandermthrust]

He deserved every bit and every second of that flight, I think he is our contemporary modern-day Bob Hope. This guy goes to bat for us more than many politicians, and I mean every word of it. Can't thank you enough Gary for your unparallel advocacy to us active duty and veterans.

[emmettjones]

I cannot get enough of Gary, and his tireless efforts on behalf of our military personnel and veterans. Truly a humble man who has accepted this mantle with grace and dignity which fell upon him after his role as Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump, and veterans within his own family. Gary gets my vote for the Medal of Freedom...

[jscomputerservicesanpcpart]

As a Aussie and supporter of all our allies, I thought this was a amazing adventure for you. But then I also realised the importance of the message. The pilots who serve this program and the ground staff who are involved are all hero’s. My full respect and admiration goes out to you all. Thankyou for your service not only to your country. But to the the whole free world. God bless

[BarnardClangdeggin]

I served in the Air Force, and I appreciate the great job the video did of showing everything that goes on behind the scenes to get one pilot up in the air. They’re all top-notch people, and America is lucky to have them serving.

[mathbrown]

There needs to be a lot more Americans like Gary Sinise. He’s as genuine as Americans can be. I have so much respect for people serving others like Gary does.

[imtheman]

This plane was only developed 68 years ago.
Most every man who worked on this plane has left this good earth yet his work lives on.
Simply

[usernameo]

I cried watching this. And I respect this man more than I did before seeing this. And all the things he does to support our troops. What a remarkable life, what a remarkable man.