What planes were made in the Cold War?

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X-Jets: Experimental Bombers of the Cold War

Northrop XB-35.
Douglas XB-42.
Douglas XB-43.
Convair XB-46.
Martin XB-48.
Northrop YB-49.
Martin XB-51.
Convair YB-60.

What was the U-2 plane?

The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed “Dragon Lady”, is an American single-jet engine, high altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

What were U-2 spy planes used for during the Cold War?

At first the plane was used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to monitor electronic emissions, to sample the upper atmosphere for evidence of nuclear weapons tests, and to photograph sites deep within the territory of the Soviet Union, China, and other Cold War enemies.

Are U-2 planes still used?

The United States has been using the U-2 for more than a half-century, flying intelligence-gathering missions over the Soviet Union, Vietnam, China, and Cuba during the Cold War. In recent years, it has conducted missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s designed to fly at all hours and in all weather.

What are the best Russian planes?

Top 11 Best Russian Fighter Jets

Sukhoi Su-30.
Sukhoi Su-34.
Sukhoi Su-35.
Sukhoi Su-57.
Mikoyan MiG-29.
Mikoyan MiG-31.
Mikoyan MiG-35.
Mikoyan MiG-17.

Where is the U-2 plane now?

U-2s are home based at the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, but are rotated to operational detachments worldwide.

Why was the U-2 plane shot down?

The CIA assured President Eisenhower that the Soviets did not possess anti-aircraft weapons sophisticated enough to shoot down the high-altitude planes. On May 1, 1960, a U-2 flight piloted by Francis Gary Powers disappeared while on a flight over Russia.

How many U-2 flights before shot down?

Finally, on May 1, 1960, a U-2 piloted by Frank Powers was shot down by a surface-to-air missile over the USSR and Powers was captured alive. This event ended the CIA’s over-fly program. However, the approximately 30 completed flights provided the US with the greatest intelligence breakthrough of the 20th century.