A U-2 Dragon Lady breaks endurance records with a flight lasting over 14 hours and covering more than 6,000 nautical miles, flying over 48 states.
On August 1, 2025, to mark seventy years since the first flight of the U-2, a TU-2S aircraft completed a remarkable mission. Named DRAGON 70, it took off from Beale Air Force Base on July 31 at around 9:30 p.m. (California time) and landed the next day after more than 14 hours of flight. Traveling more than 6,000 nautical miles across the 48 contiguous United States, it set endurance and distance records for its category. This performance once again demonstrates the ability of a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft designed during the Cold War to remain relevant today.
The DRAGON 70 flight feat
The DRAGON 70 pilot communicated with the Atlanta ARTCC control center, signaling his intention to break two records: endurance for an aircraft in its class and altitude. The ultimate goal of a “zoom climb” was mentioned after more than 14 hours in flight, at minimum weight and with fuel almost exhausted, in order to climb as high as possible. The official confirmation does not specify the altitude reached, but indicates that the record was indeed set for endurance and distance. The U-2’s cruising speed allows it to cover these 6,000 nautical miles (approximately 11,100 km) while maintaining an altitude above 21,000 meters, above the normal turbulence zone, and offering a range without refueling of approximately 3,200 km.
The aircraft used is a TU-2S model, an optimized two-seater version, often stripped of operational systems to reduce its weight for this type of flight. This version is the most recent to be deployed in the modernized U-2. The flight mainly covered transcontinental test trajectories, demonstrating that the aircraft still has remarkable range, both in terms of distance and duration.
The flight was described as “eleven years in the making” by the 9th Reconnaissance Wing teams, underscoring the importance of this operation in the history of the U-2. Highly skilled pilots Cory ‘ULTRALORD’ Bartholomew and Lieutenant Colonel “JETHRO” flew the aircraft on the long-range mission.
The U-2: concept, missions, and longevity
The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady is a single-seat (or two-seat for the TU-2S version) single-engine turbofan aircraft designed to operate in the stratosphere, above 21,000 meters. It entered service in 1956 and has been continuously modernized since then, most notably with the U-2S version modernized in 2012. It is mainly used for image intelligence (ISR) missions, signal collection, data transmission, and satellite calibration. Its ability to remain above enemy defenses was put to the test in 1960, when Francis Gary Powers was shot down in the Soviet Union.
The U-2 remains available for missions close to sensitive areas, taking advantage of an altitude where satellites cannot pick up certain data. It can be deployed quickly from forward bases. It is used for border surveillance, particularly on the southern border of the United States, as well as for scientific missions, natural disaster management, and rescue operations. Each flight requires rigorous preparation: the pilot’s cockpit requires a pressurized suit, 100% oxygen preparation, and physiology adapted to flights above 70,000 ft.
Despite the emergence of high-altitude drones such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk and space systems, the U-2 retains an advantage: its operational flexibility, its ability to carry multiple payloads simultaneously, and its immediate tactical responsiveness.
Logistical and technical lessons learned
Organizing a flight of this duration requires a reliable logistics chain: sufficient JP-8 fuel for 14 hours, telemetry data monitoring, ground support, and squadron relief. The aircraft’s unrefueled flight range of over 11,000 km demonstrates rigorous fuel management and perfect maintenance. The reduced weight at the end of the flight maximizes the final climb phase. This type of operation is rarely performed in normal service and is an extremely targeted test.
The TU-2S aircraft requires a specialized team of mechanics, engineers, physiologists, and test pilots. High-altitude aviation requires strict medical monitoring, including for the effects of low oxygen density and extremely low outside temperatures. The mission illustrates the robustness of the U-2, which is capable of crossing the North American continent non-stop, even in difficult nighttime or stratospheric conditions.
Operational outlook and future plans
For a long time, the U-2 was opposed by high-altitude drones. The Global Hawk offers high endurance, but its fixed orbit limits its geographical coverage. Conversely, the U-2 can be directed to specific points, operate immediately after an alert, and carry several sensors simultaneously.
However, it is scheduled to be withdrawn from service in 2026, as it is becoming vulnerable to modern air defenses from adversaries such as China and Russia. The US Air Force considers that enemy anti-access/area denial systems reduce its effectiveness. The DRAGON 70 flight therefore appears to be a final demonstration of its capabilities. This flight demonstrates not only its endurance, but also its continuing strategic relevance, even after seventy years of service.
The main alternative is the development of high-altitude drones or less visible military space systems. However, no system currently offers flexibility comparable to the U-2 in terms of rapid deployment and multi-sensor capabilities in flight.
Direct reflection on the mission and its meaning
This anniversary flight is not a stylistic performance, but a targeted technical and operational demonstration. It validates that the TU-2S platform can still carry out long missions in complex environments. It sends a clear signal to decision-makers: certain unique capabilities deserve to be maintained temporarily beyond retirement plans.
However, keeping it in service until 2026 will entail high logistical costs and increased exposure to risks in contested areas. The latest image and signal collection capabilities will soon have to be transferred to more stealthy or autonomous platforms. The U-2 Dog Lady can still provide a valuable service, but its demise is near.
The DRAGON 70 mission offers added value: it provides unique operational data on flight times and distances, and reinforces the idea that an older aircraft can still play a strategic role in certain scenarios. The latest record-breaking flight strikes a balance between the weight of history, today’s demands and tomorrow’s choices.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.