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U-2 SPY PLANE
 Specialty: A single-seat, high-altitude aircraft that supports U.S. and allied ground and air forces; can provide continuous surveillance from 72,000 feet. This takes it well out of range of typical surface-to-air missiles like the SA-2, which has a range of up to 60,000 feet. The U-2 has no weapons.
Alternative to satellites: The polar orbits of satellites take them over Iraq for only a few minutes daily; the U-2 can fly at any time.
Wings: Straight wings give it gliderlike characteristics, allow it to maneuver better than missiles in thin air.
Radio receivers: Let the plane eavesdrop on Iraqi ground communications
Infrared camera: Sees heated areas on surface or underground, even in darkness
Side-looking radar: Penetrates clouds, can see fixed and moving objects
Aperture: Has the accuracy of a large radar antenna; can see object 1 foot wide
Electyronic systems: Can confuse anti-aircraft missile in thin air of high altitudes
Recent events: U-2 has been flying over Iraq for 48-hour periods since Nov. 5, 1997, to help determine if Iraq has destroyed its weapons systems -- a condition for ending the 1991 Persian Gulf war.
Conflict: Saddam Hussein has threatened to shoot down U.S. spy planes, such as the U-2. |
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