This cool image of the western United States was taken by a U.S. Air Force U-2 flying above 70,000 feet.
At that altitude U-2 pilots, who have to wear full-pressure suits similar to those of astronauts that ensure survivability during depressurization, are able to see the curvature of the Earth and the upper edges of the stratosphere.
More from The Aviationist
The Incredible Armada of Aircraft Behind 1969’s Battle of Britain Film
On Sept. 15, 1969, cinema audiences were treated to a dramatic portrayal…
US Approves Possible Sale of Nine KC-46A Pegasus Tankers for Japan
The latest deal would take the number of KC-46As in Japan’s inventory…
U.S. State Department Approves $7.2B Sale Of F-35 Jets To Romania
The Foreign Military Sale’s approval comes after Romania announced the plan to…
Wooden Avengers, Target Kites, and Draftees: How America’s First New Deal Community Took the Fight to the Axis
Situated in the quiet hills of West Virginia, the small town of…
DARPA Awards BAE Systems $4 Million for Autonomous Beyond Visual Range Air Combat Program
Autonomy solutions for BVR combat will initially be developed and demonstrated on…
Image credit: U.S. Air Force
Related Articles
- “The U-2 Dragon Lady: The evolution” documentary almost takes you on board the spyplane at 70,000 feet (theaviationist.com)
- “Gray Dragon”: the only F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter painted in a two-tone gray experimental color scheme (theaviationist.com)
- Video: Global Hawk drone take-off from chase car at Beale Air Force Base (theaviationist.com)
