56-6722 was one of six U-2Ds, with a special Q-bay for a second crew member or special sensors. Note the rotating optical sensor just ahead of the faired antenna housing, and the Air Force Flight Test Center’s “Smokey Joe” flash on its fin. U-2B 56-6701 banks away in the background.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed U-2 - СШАUSA - 1955

U-2A (per. № 56-6701), используемый в интересах ЦРУ в конце 1950-х гг. Самолет позже был переоборудован в U-2B, а затем в U-2C, а в 1968 г. передан в состав USAF
U-2A 56-6701 was one of the first production batch of 48 for the USAF (the 27th aircraft delivered), the prototype having made its first flight in the hands of test pilot Tony Le Vier in August 1955. The type’s large lightly-loaded wing tended to make the aircraft float on landing, and Le Vier had to try five times before he could finally stall the prototype on to the ground.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed U-2 - СШАUSA - 1955

Capt Ken Mason with his U-2 at RAE Bedford in March 1967. The aircraft was based at Bedford for two months to investigate clear air turbulence at 6 miles and above in connection with SST development.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed U-2 - СШАUSA - 1955

A U-2 lands at the USAF base at Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire on August 19, 1962, after a 7hr flight from Plattsburg New York. The aircraft was one of a trio which arrived in the UK on the same day, officially to carry out a “high altitude sampling programme" over the North Atlantic.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed U-2 - СШАUSA - 1955

Fragments of the U-2B flown by Lt Francis Gary Powers, brought down near Sverdlovsk on May 1, 1960, by the nearby explosion of a surface-to-air missile, on display in the Museum of Soviet Armed Forces. The incident caused President Eisenhower to forbid overflights of the USSR.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed U-2 - СШАUSA - 1955

English Electric Canberra B.2 WK163, converted as a flying testbed for the Napier Double Scorpion rocket engine seen installed in its bomb bay, reached an altitude of 70,310ft on August 28, 1957.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: English Electric / BAE Canberra - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1949