Name an aircraft that was purposely misidentified with it's assigned nomenclature to confuse it's true purpose. This aircraft was so difficult to fly that for every landing, a rated aircraft pilot as passenger in a speeding car (convertible for visibility?) on the runway was required to "talk down" the aircraft's pilot by radio. (Long runways needed).

1. Manufacturer and official nomenclature/designator needed.

2. What was the aircraft's armament?

3. How many were built?

4. What was absolutely needed by the aircraft pilot in flight?

As usual, all answers needed for fully correct responses.

I'll try this:

1. Lockheed U-2A

2. None

3. 48

4. Full Pressure Suit. Virtually a space suit.

Pilot also needed to breathe 100 per cent oxygen for 60 minutes before take off.

Close enough, Rob, and I commend you!

There were 104 U-2s built in various models, first flight in 1955. The original 40 were U-2As, then U-2Bs, U-2Cs, U-2Gs, 5 all-matt black U-2Ds and after being put back in production twice-an improved model the U-2R and TR-1 variants. Some U-2As were converted to U-2Cs. After frequent accidents, a two-seat U-2CT conversion trainer was built from a U-2A in 1973.

Designed by Lockheed's famed "Skunk Works", under the direction of the Works' Director Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, the single seat U-2 was purposely designated as a U- for Utility to disguise its true espionage recon mission. It was operated by the CIA and the USAF in great secrecy at very high altitudes, and was only exposed when Francis Gary Powers was shot down over Russia on 1 May 1960 by a SA-2 missile (possibly because of an aircraft technical problem at a lower altitude) and held prisoner until an agent swap was effected. Powers ejected successfully and was captured by the Russians. MIG-15 fighters scrambled could not reach Powers' altitude. Of interest, an SA-2 destroyed one of the pursuing MIG-15s. U-2B service ceiling given as 79,000 feet; Powers was flying his mission at 75,000 feet but lower when shot down.

The high aspect ratio glider-like wing worked well at high altitudes but not so well near ground, making landings "tricky". Jettisonable "pogo" wheels were located under the wings to aid takeoffs. Few or no markings were carried, and if so-were bogus. NASA used a version of the U-2 called the ER-2 for earth resources mapping. The U-2A used one P&W J57 turbojet of 17,000 lbs thrust, but all subsequent models were fitted with a J75-P-13B turbojet.

A USAF U-2 instructor pilot, Lt. Col. Jon Huggins was source of some info used here, and I thank him!

His figures:

Total Built: 104

Endurance: In excess of 14 hours

Cruse speed: 475 mph

Wingspan: 104 feet (vice 80 feet) as easy to remember 104 built, the F-104 was used as the template for a lot of the U-2.

Max gross weight "we" ever take off with-40,000 lbs.

My old data states the only other country to use U-2s was Taiwan, who lost some over mainland China. This subject to possible revision if known.