?
I didn’t even know they are operated from carriers,
how many in USN inventory ?
In 1963, the CIA started project Whale Tale to develop carrier-based U-2Gs to overcome range limitations. During development of the capability, CIA pilots took off and landed U-2Gs on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger and other ships. The U-2G was used only twice operationally. Both flights occurred from USS Ranger in May 1964 to observe France’s development of an atomic bomb test range at Moruroa in French Polynesia.
U-2 ops aboard USS Ranger video
Testing continued through at least 1966, aboard the USS America: USS America CV-66 with a U-2
However, none of the carrier-capable versions had inflight-refueling capability.
U-2C: Enhanced single-seat model with J75-P-13 engine with 15,800-17,000 pounds of thrust and modified engine intakes
U-2G: U-2C converted for carrier compatibility with arresting hook and accessories, rear fuselage beef-up, 50 degrees of flaps and extended main stoke main and tail landing gear (3 aircraft).
U-2H: U-2G converted to inflight-refueling capability, found to be too heavy and converted back to U-2G (2 aircraft)
This model had a wingspan of 80′ 2″ and a max take-off weight of 24,150 lb.
The currently-operational U-2s are all the U-2S model, with a wingspan of 104′, a max take-off weight of 41,000 lb, and a General Electric F118-GE-101 engine with 18,300 pounds thrust, but these are not inflight-refueling capable. However, their lengthened wing includes two fuel pods, which increased range from 2,200 miles in the early models to 3,500 miles in the -R, 4,000 miles in the TR-1, and 4,600 miles in the -S.
U-2R: Larger version of original U-2. Designed with carrier capability from outset with RX107 Hook Kit installed. 12 built.
TR-1: Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft (all aircraft redesignated U-2R). 33 built.
U-2S: Re-engined U-2R with General Electric F118-GE-101 with 18,300 pounds thrust; the F118 engine is 30% lighter and 39 inches shorter and more fuel effect, than the J75-13B, and allows the “S” to cruise 1220 nm farther, and fly 3500 feet higher. It also has a new digital autopilot, and sensor wiring has been standardized.
31 U-2R/TR-1s were converted to U-2S.
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