A Day in the Life of a US Secret Spy Plane Pilot

Welcome back to the FLUCTUS channel for a discussion about the U-2 reconnaissance plane and how pilots prepare to fly some of the most advanced aircraft in the world.
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[@ronmiller3741]

The 400k helmet is like apple earbuds. U need to have the 100 M plane for it to be useful. 😂

[@drywallman1986]

🤣

[@rennnnsemml]

YMMD😂

[@bryanaguirrecolindres2670]

😂😂

[@al-rashedlampay2971]

They not gonna buy it for no use

[@dboy3773]

Sold separately like headphones and chargers 😂

[@HKim0072]

3:25 Even with all the extra hassle, you can tell he loves being a U2 pilot. What a grin.

[@TheJonathanc82]

The utmost respect to the pilots and ground crews that make all of this happen!

[@luke6575]

From my observations, the earth 🌍 is definitely round and not flat.

[@ronmiller3741]

😂😂

[@M21L35]

Back when the U-2 was developing its "place-in-the-sun", a 421-powered Pontiac Catalina convertible was used as a chase car for specific NASA aircraft.

[@Unknown_Ooh]

I see a lot of Chargers and Camaros these days. There's a reason why they like to use the faster cars on the runway.

[@joshschneider9766]

@@Unknown_Ooh wonder if the air force would sell me one of the chargers when they're done with it.

[@kevinhoward9593]

Probably never gets tired of the view from that altitude.

[@silvereaglehere]

Some great info. Never thought about what these pilots have to go thru before they even get into the plane.

[@jesset061084]

I didn’t think we used they types of planes anymore but good to know we have someone keeping an eye out

[@Daniel-xg3ul]

We still use them. They're like the B-52, they're so perfect at what they do the military will keep using them for the foreseeable future.

[@TrevorHeathPhotography]

Amazing episode! Huge respect for pilots and crews! 👍

[@maomingymao1433]

Please see clearly. He is a spy pilot and a thief. He peeps at others. What's worth respect? If the combat effectiveness is on your own doorstep, it is still worthy of respect to protect the family and the country.

[@mattyboy2386]

@@maomingymao1433 what

[@maomingymao1433]

@@mattyboy2386 The pilot is a thief, to spy on others, he is not the one to protect his home on his own land.

[@wasanaboxing]

Wow .. Wonderful sharing my friend

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

I think it would friken cool to be a U2 pilot, and if not part of the crew who helps piolot till the last momonet.

[@MrDREWASIDE]

The u2 still flying today . Thank you Kelly Johnson!

[@Ronin4614]

Loved the SR-71, and sad that it is no longer in service.

[@jason.parkinson]

80-1093 BEST IN THE FLEET!!! Sure do miss that Girl... GOD SPEED DRAGON DRIVERS!

[@bigblue3568]

In the beginning they say 80,000 feet then say max is 60,000 feet at 5:20

[@namechange9367]

Actual altitude is classified

[@k.h.1587]

And it is widely known more like 70000

[@jonathanavila8284]

I was searching for this comment !

[@WhuDhat]

the truth lies somewhere in between

[@VoluptuousB]

Gotta love that How It’s Made music!

[@phmwu7368]

50 years ago, 1971-72 David Clark paired the full pressure helmet with the MC-3A partial pressure suit. By that time, the introduction of the U2-R allowed pilots to wear a full pressure suit, versions S1010 (1971), S1031 (1991) to S1034 (1990s). NASA U2 pilots wore this full pressure helmet & partial pressure suit combination up to 1989. This "Utility" aircraft has undergone some amazing changes, the first versions didn't even have an ejection seat until November 1957 and it took another 10 years to perfect the escape system !

[@darrelldixon8056]

My father was in the Air Force, Photo Reconnaissance. He was station at R.A.F Alconbury in the 70's where we lived for 3 years. He developed the film exposed during flights. Several years later a former U2 Pilot, Dan Schmar who was the local "eye in the sky" flying a news helicopter, helped with an "Aeronautical Club" which met after school building and flying model Airplanes and rockets. I also saw the SR-71 several times. First when we were parked just past the runway at Fairchild AFB during an Air Show. It took off and flew overhead at very low altitude. Also years later when I was attending Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland AFB during it's official retirement ceremony in 1990. Most of my flight was at parade rest on the parade grounds and couldn't look up to watch it fly overhead. I was lucky enough to be assigned to direct visitors away from the parade grounds and did get to watch it as it flew overhead. Experiencing the Sonic Boom during acceleration.

[@marcpel8310]

the most difficult thing is to land, because the wings of this plane allow you to remain in flight even when the lift is almost zero. you almost have to drop it to land.

[@killerbird5091]

Not almost you have to, you need to make a “stall“ don‘t know if thats correct translated in german the word would be “Strömungsabriss“

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

@@killerbird5091 Yes, stall is correct in English.

[@killerbird5091]

@@hxhdfjifzirstc894 thanks :)

[@stevennagley3407]

The wings allow it to fly… the gross weight is also empty near landing. That loss of fuel load allows the u2 to want to fly or sail more lengthy…

[@PhillinFreeTime]

If I could go for a flight on 3 planes, P-51 Mustang, B-26 Marauder (this was my grandfathers plane during Korea in the 90th bomber squadron light, 8th Air Force 51-53 he was a Sgt, Co-pilot / Navigator as the Marauder didn't TECHNICALLY HAVE a co pilot even though it did) and at the top of that list, Is one of the most simple yet elegant planes ever created, The U2 Spy Plane. Id love nothing more than to go on a flight to 60k feet and just kick back and enjoy the ride and view.

[@CypherSpectre]

I'm curious to see how they author their log books.

[@WhuDhat]

Ruskie spy haha

[@mapp4751]

just an awesome look behind the scenes of this iconic aircraft and the people associated with it! Thank you!

[@nanaboakyecollins9078]

America will forever be the superpower country of the whole world d

[@rabindramundei8758]

Meny meny thanks To Chanel woner

[@jakegrass8861]

all of this footage is from years ago

[@1ThreeSeven]

1:48 “Clearly, the pilot himself can do very little during this procedure.” My little brother 59 minutes into the hour of breathing oxygen: “Hang on, guys, gotta go to the bathroom.”

[@Eternal1811]

I have no words for how amazingly cool and movie-like this career is.

[@m8a214]

Good job guys respect

[@wrightvcx2249]

400,000 usd for heads up display and a couple more features.

[@k.h.1587]

Sr71 "former"? It might not be in service anymore, but the U2 came first

[@Calidore1]

you can tell how good optical display must be by the trainee pilot's wowed reaction to the simulation. so cool.

[@wtf1231122]

Imagine being in the airforce and your job is to get pilots dressed lol

[@recentparty8369]

what a 60's movie ( since now drones make it better ...)

[@countparham4688]

I wish some day U2 come to our airspace in Iran. We love American technology like RQ170 or SCAN EAGLE or RQ-4A or RQ7 we only miss U2 in our collection 😣 Pls send us one for Christmas 🤝❤️

[@Goldengatevideo]

The sr71 replaced the u2? How long ago was that?

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

Great Video.

[@Erik-gg2vb]

Interesting. I think that white string at the top of the cockpit is for showing slip attitude in flight.

[@youngnurse9994]

Awesome!!!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@lorenabetancourt5380]

Excelente el vídeo , pero pa' cuando en español?? Un saludo desde Colombia!

[@mikeeihusen5194]

That guy from Forrest Gump got to go up in one. It's a cool video.

[@StevenBur]

80, 000 feet! I think he meant FL 800...

[@justdoingitjim7095]

I could never be an astronaut or a spy plane pilot, It's too claustrophobic for me! Oh yea and you can forget submarines too. I would've made a terrible "caveman! LOL!

[@suginoasugiono2316]

Salut saking berharganya pilot dan pesawat sebelum betul betul lepas landas mobil pengawal dan pengantar pun mengiringi sampai di ujung landasan

[@Maximumeffects]

you bet hes seen some crazy shit up there in the stratosphere. incredible

[@ddwchamp]

One of the hardest aircraft to take off and land.

[@patm69037]

13th Intelligence Squadron, Beale AFB. I analyzed the shots these planes took over Afghanistan looking for IEDs.

[@dugefrsh5154]

the lazy boy recliner, lol, pilots are so special

[@Marco-ls6ou]

God Bless America!

[@johnmwangi4956]

Nobody chooses where to be born or brought up but for me I wish it was in America

[@oldthudman]

The U-2 shown is actually the 2nd generation of the U-2 family........The original spy plane was based on the F-104........used the same engine but no A.B........New wings/tail feathers, nose, etc........The second generation looked like the original, but was quite different......Actually bigger, having longer wings, tail sat up on a bump, longer nose and later wing pods (Senior Sensors(?)).., Direct Link antenna, etc etc.....Usually referred to as the U2R OR TR-2.........and the two had different spy arenas............

[@stevennagley3407]

If I remember correctly the u2 fuselage is a modified f-104 fuselage

[@Panbu3]

வாழ்க தமிழ் வளர்க தமிழ்

[@hi79cruisers90]

I wonder what type of drone can go that high and fast following the plane when it’s in space

[@electricalife]

The global hawk operates at 60k feet.

[@sjones8738]

Why does the US Air Force keep the U2 Reconnaissance Plane in service which is slow but flies very high. The SR71 Blackbird has been retired multiple times. By now it could have been upgraded multiple times or built a new and improved blackbird.

[@fckyafeelingz4064]

I was stationed at the base where this video was shot. Additionally, this and the global hawk were the two aircraft I spent over 6 years with. You're question is a very good and understandable question. About a year ago I read the Wikipedia entry for this spy plane and I would encourage you to take a gander that direction in hopes your answer resides there.

[@allen9975]

The US Air Force still uses the U-2 spy for reconnaissance and various other missions for helping troops on the ground and helping out Allies on on the battlefield. And also if they were going to build a brand new U-2 it would cost 💲way more then the current plane. So they keep upgrading the current U-2 ✈️ for many more service years 😎🇺🇸

[@johnakaoldguy3158]

Slow at 80K+ airspeed is completely different than airspeed at 40K feet. The air density is much less so to make the airspeed at 80K the air is much higher than stated. Talking ‘airspeed’ not ground speed. Yes it’s ‘gliding’ around but it’s still moving pretty dang fast.

[@i.l6916]

Why fix something that isn’t broke

[@2adamast]

@@johnakaoldguy3158 470 mph 5:30 is not the same at high altitude, because the mile inflates at low pressure? Or the wings bend back due to the curvature of the earth

[@hurky4]

How long are typical flights with this plane? It sounds like having to use the restroom may be more of an issue than fatigue...

[@nohand322]

While you're up there could you please keep an eye on my house for me while I'm at work? Been I'm paying for your service in the first place.

[@mugilv]

give us your exact address. we'll pass it on to the u2 team

[@skyant3030]

Right!

[@ezye97]

Why the us keep pooping out more and more advanced military technology? I never understand this concept like why?

[@shermanbrady2618]

You might want to look into getting a private detective to start taking pictures of your wife and her new boyfriend that way you will not have to pay alimony. We just can take pictures of the outside of your house and of her boyfriend having his way with you wife. Also what you are paying us doesn’t come close paying us for the pictures . If you want the pictures I have a cash app card just let me know and I will tell you the price. I am just the Security Force member for the pilot and his money man. 😂

[@peterschlange1832]

Seriously bro? SMH fuking civilians don't have a clue what airmen go thru...

[@harrywest2780]

They are still used in 🇰🇷

[@mahmoodsoleja9068]

Fantastic ! 👍

[@meunu2]

뭐야 한국채널이 아니었네

[@Iwta-b5n]

GOD BLESS AMERICA

[@SOPHIAFLYGIRL]

Imagine lining up a big ole slice of mega meat pizza 🍕 and the scramble sirens go off....." Dammit"

[@ahmedabakar5166]

Great job 👌 from Sudan Africa 🌍💞

[@chadsmith7075]

That plane is insane with the suit

[@elonpoput]

amazing 👍👍👍

[@QueenDaenerysTargaryen]

Quite impressive 👍👍

[@besamjohn]

At the beginning of the video the max altitude was 80,000ft. By the middle of the video it was down to 60,000ft. I wonder what it's down to now?

[@joeysausage3437]

They never shown a complete landing.

[@MrMh722]

60,000ft in 12 minutes! 😳

[@chuck571]

I can't believe they have a tell-tail on the front of the plane!! That something we sailors use.

[@dennisgrunbeck1823]

Helicopter pilots also use telltales as they "tell the tale". There are a lot of similarities between flying and sailing. I do both.

[@skillstruckrepairer3880]

good video.

[@grugbug4313]

Solid! Top KEK!

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

OK, because of all the cameras around today, ya gotta salute me when I walk up. Remember: right hand.

[@Itsfalcon9]

When space warfare becomes a thing these pilots will be the one’s called upon right?

[@wierwulf0]

i got to suit up in one of those in the early 90s, it was an orange suit back then,RAF Alconbury Uk

[@thezenboy]

Imagine if the annual budget for these planes alone was diverted to public education.

[@nickcassell2354]

It's bloody amazing what they do.. but what if they get an itchy nose

[@DeltadronesBr]

Awesome

[@Kgio-2112]

How about a week in the life?

[@gallo82nd35]

Not so secret anymore is it!?

[@tlredvictory12]

Angels protecting us

[@av8tore71]

So.....do they get to keep the helmet after they retire flying the F-35

[@ranjitthingnam6727]

When spy satellites and drones are available, what they are doing up there?

[@aris_analysisreadingintell9967]

1:53 Drewski is that you?!!

[@bobbaker8263]

Awesome!

[@RomboutVersluijs]

Oke thing Ng i kept wondering and which wasn't very clear. The pogosticks, landing gear, they fall while landing When landing i didn't see them. Do they have double set onboard. Because they are there preventing the plain to tip over.

[@RomboutVersluijs]

Ow saw it later, it basically lands, rides untill it halts and flips over to on wing tip. Kinda weird!

[@ductrinh9512]

Bao lâu xem B2 hạ cánh cứ thấy hai xe hơi bám chạy sau. Bây giờ mới biết đoạn tiếp đường băng do xe hơi điều khiển B2. Bởi rất có thể phi công đã kiệt sức hay mất thăng bằng não bộ.

[@llllll9249]

포보스 선정 "남자라면 못참는 제목"

[@latyrdiallo5739]

This plane is Strong.

[@chiguireespacialespecial]

Go Buddy System!

[@scooter2049]

take that flat earthers, lol

[@GoiabaPlay]

Galerinha da gringa vo conta o papo reto. Meu avô andava com esses casa. Ele era um naval chamado casakus de quem tá lendo

[@rickstellfox9738]

The article is about the F-18 Super hornet but the photo is a British Tornado.

[@lulaeladraoechefedequadril4005]

É tão secreto que postaram aqui rsrs

[@milanm5776]

What is that black circle in sky on 6:27 UFO?

[@markmurdoch8662]

Breathing oxygen on surface will not remove nitrogen from blood

[@brandon_945]

The Russians have already proved themselves capable of shooting down the U2, so what is the point of keeping it in service? The SR-71 and A-12 however has never been shot down

[@dennisgrunbeck1823]

The Soviets shot one down, not the Russian Federation.

[@user-rl3ef4ju9k]

Russia or Soviet Union was not overflown after May 1960 by any of those planes. U2 is still useful, however.

[@tanpengjoo7205]

MADE IN USA ALWAYS POWERFUL

[@abdul-qf2fe]

$4000 F35 pilot helmet is worth the deal,isn't it?😎

[@brmillgr]

400,000

[@heinrichmuller7974]

@@brmillgr LoL i was just about to say "i think you forgot a zero"

[@brmillgr]

@@heinrichmuller7974 a helmet. Insane. "war is a racket." Smedley Butler

[@alexfreedom3084]

It is 400000$ .......4000 is just to align it dude.

[@abdul-qf2fe]

@@alexfreedom3084 thanks for adding two zeros, it was my mistake,state of the art stuff ,really 👍

[@ScenePhotos]

40ish seconds in to the video you said it could reach an altitude of 80,000 feet and a little over 5 minutes in you said a maximum altitude of 60,000 feet. So which is it?

[@ziauddin7948]

awesome but for how long pilot remain in the air & if remains more than 12 hours how he defecate & urinate ????

[@Stu-SB]

They just do it in their suits 😩..true !

[@djtomoy]

Hiya, I think you missed out the bit about where it actually goes and what it takes pictures of?!! We’d love to know that too! Regards -China- American citizen

[@amarnath9624]

At least they should get rid of pressure suit