The next in the unrelenting series of aircraft in the Dragon Wings series is a 'built-up' version of the U-2R 'Dragon Lady' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_U-2
Features a 9RW schema: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9th_Reconnaissance_Wing
I would imagine that there will be a very welcome kit version of this is to follow if the recent X-1,X-4 and X-15 releases from Dragon Wings are to act as a guide. Interestingly they also flag this as a 'military' version... CIA, NASA or RoCAF even versions to follow, certainly other U-2R schemes are to come? I'm not sure as to the differences between the C and the R varients would easil allow for a Gary Powers craft?
http://www.dragonmodelsusa.com/dmlusa/prodd.asp?pid=DRW51017
Available: Feburary 2012
Price: estimated $30 USD
- Fully detailed 1/144 U-2R "Dragon Lady"
- Stylish metal stand included
- Pre-assembled
Despite its advancing age, the U-2 “Dragon Lady” continues to fly high-altitude all-weather reconnaissance missions for the US Air Force (USAF) even today. Built by Lockheed, the U-2 is powered by a single engine, and its high-aspect-ratio wings and light construction resemble that of a glider. While its particular platform is required by the high altitudes at which the aircraft flies, this also makes it very difficult to operate. Indeed, the U-2 has to be flown at near maximum speed to avert stalling. Landing is a particularly hazardous undertaking as it uses bicycle-type landing gear and titanium skids on its wingtips. It can fly at altitudes of 21,000m, requiring the pilot to wear the equivalent of a spacesuit.
The U-2R (initially known as the TR-1A) is a modified U-2C featuring larger under-wing “superpods” and increased fuel capacity. The type first flew in 1967, and the final example was delivered to the USAF in October 1989. It is powered by a Pratt & Whitney J75 turbojet engine, and a total of twelve U-2R Dragon Ladies were built. Various surveillance and intelligence-gathering sensors are carried onboard.
This specific variant of the Dragon Lady is the subject of Warbirds’ new 1/144 scale die-cast model. It’s exciting as it’s a brand new design made from completely new toolings. The long, slim fuselage and outspread wings are accurately reproduced. Panel lines are finely engraved on it. With a wingspan of more than 210mm in this scale, this is a truly impressive model. To enable it to be presented to best advantage, it comes with a sleek metal display stand. This high-altitude recon aircraft is rarely seen, but collectors can now get their very own U-2R at desktop level!
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