vol. 3, no. 2  Serving Southern Nevada’s military community, including Nellis, Creech and NTTR  Jan. 18, 2019

An Aerotech news And review publicAtion • www.Aerotechnews.com

Dragon LaDymakes rare appearance at Nellis

by Airman 1st Class Bailee A. Darbasie           A Lockheed U-2, assigned to Beale Air Force Base, Calif.,
                                                 takes flight at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Long and
Nellis AFB, Nev.                                 narrow wings give the U-2 glider-like characteristics
                                                  and allow it to quickly lift heavy sensor payloads
   Gliding over the skies of Southern             to unmatched altitudes, keeping them there for
Nevada at an altitude of approximately
70,000 feet, an all-black, single jet engine       extended periods of time.
aircraft dubbed the Dragon Lady travels
to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

   The Lockheed U-2, assigned to Beale
Air Force Base, Calif., is an ultra high-
altitude reconnaissance aircraft that
provides day and night, all-weather intel-
ligence gathering.

   The U-2 traveled to Nellis to take part
in the Weapons School Integration; a
series of complex, large-force employ-
ment missions that served as the capstone
portion of the U.S. Air Force Weapons
School courses.

   “We’re participating in this large force
exercise to help give the Weapons School
students the opportunity to integrate
with the U-2,” said Maj. John, WSINT
________ See Dragon, on Page 3

CeNTeR PhoTo: Lt. Col. Joseph, Lockheed                                                                                                                                                                                        Air Force photographs by Airman 1st Class Bailee A. Darbasie
U-2 pilot assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance
Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., assists    A Lockheed U-2 pilot, assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., prepares for takeoff at Nellis Air Force
a U-2 landing while driving a chase car at       Base, Nev. The U-2 arrived at Nellis to participate in the Weapons School Integration.
Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The purpose of
the chase car was to ensure a safe landing
for the aircraft and pilot, since their view is
limited due to the restricting helmet and
suit worn while in flight.

INSIDE: Commentary – 2; News – 3; Veteran’s News – 4; Nellis Living – 6; Lighter Side – 10-12