Landing a U2 on a Carrier

I would like to take this time to state for the record that I have a relationship with the U2 that borders on obsession.  I admit the Dragon Lady isn’t exceptionally attractive, but we’re talking about an aircraft designed and built almost 60 years ago.  It has outlived at least one aircraft that was intended to replace it and even in the age of unmanned drones it is still in daily use.  Honestly what’s not to love about a plane that cruises at altitudes twice that of conventional jetliners.  Looking down on a 747 from a U2 is like looking at a 747 from the ground.

So, it recently occurred to me that of all the things I new about the U2, I’d never even thought about whether they were operated from an aircraft carrier.  The U2 is notorious for it’s landing characteristics, so it isn’t hard to understand why it is a land based plane.  After a quick curiosity search recently, I discovered some interesting pictures and videos of U2 carrier trials.  Apparently the US Navy did give carrier operations a try (or at least a test).

So after seeing the picture, I found some video of a U2 doing some carrier trials.  It’s slightly reminiscent of the episode of Carrier (great PBS show by the way) where they were fighting a pitching deck at night.  The pilot makes attempt after attempt and just when you think he’s not going to make it…he catches the tail hook and traps it.

The longer video is here: http://www.creativefission.com/Frame_MOV_Carrier320x240.html

Feel free to also buy the DVD they are selling. I’m sure it will be great.

For those on a tight schedule, here’s the money shot.