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Blogger Sagar Pathak from HorizontalRain.com goes on a High Flight to 70000′ aboard the United State Air Forces premier ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance) platform, the U-2 Dragon Lady. But before donning the space suit, Mr. Pathak has to get cleared by the 9th Medical Group and learn about all of the issues that could go wrong. These are all threats that U-2 pilots have to potentially deal with. But even with these risks, the men and women who fly these aircraft put it aside to accomplish this unique mission. Celebrating it’s 55th anniversary, the U-2 is constantly reinventing itself with the latest technology and proving it’s value to commanders across the globe. As the wing motto of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing says: “In God We Trust, All Others We Monitor.” Video created by WalterColby.com

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Featuring some of the unique training required for high altitude flight. From how to eject to the effects of the low air pressure at 70000ft on a bottle of water and a rubber glove. Also features some extra scenes and alternative commentary from the flight itself as well as a special gift for Captain Slow to treasure forever.

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• Weather balloon GPS space flight iPhone camera footage homemade spacecraft 100000 ft altitude (HD) | Barcamp Abidjan

Flying the U-2 “Dragon Lady” is a challenge at best. You treat her good, and she’ll act like a “Lady.” But let your attention slip just a little and that lady turns into a “Dragon.” And after a mission flying at the edge of space, one of the hardest parts still lies ahead; landing the Dragon Lady. With only two wheels, limited visibility due to wearing a space suit, and a plane that flies just above stall speed, landing is just as hard as flying it. But while you fly alone at 70000 feet, when you come down, your life is in the hands of one of your fellow pilots in a Pontiac as he drives 100+ mph next to you and calls out how high you are above the ground. 10 feet…7…5…3…2…1. Contact. And like that you’re back on the ground. Video created by WalterColby.com

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airboyd.tv Courtesy United States Air Force Mission The U-2 provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in direct support of US and allied forces. It 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. Features The U-2S is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude/near space reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft providing signals, imagery, and electronic measurements and signature intelligence, or MASINT. Long and narrow wings give the U-2 glider-like characteristics and allow it to quickly lift heavy sensor payloads to unmatched altitudes, keeping them there for extended periods of time. The U-2 is capable of gathering a variety of imagery, including multi-spectral electro-optic, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar products which can be stored or sent to ground exploitation centers. In addition, it also supports high-resolution, broad-area synoptic coverage provided by the optical bar camera producing traditional film products which are developed and analyzed after landing. The U-2 also carries a signals intelligence payload. All intelligence products except for wet film can be transmitted in near real-time anywhere in the world via air-to-ground or air-to-satellite data links, rapidly providing critical information to combatant commanders. MASINT provides indications of …

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