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U-2 Ground Ops

Artisan

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Probably to re-assure pilot that the taxi-wheels fell off and to
do one last "walk-around" preflight by qualified personnel.

I noticed on the top canopy that the very front window was
recessed. I almost want to call BS and that might be a
bit of misinformation...sop.
 

Warthog

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Cool video and thanks for posting. I am wondering though...what's the purpose of the "chase" cars on takeoff??
"The U-2 is very sensitive to crosswinds which, together with its tendency to float over the runway, makes the aircraft notoriously difficult to land. As it approaches the runway, the cushion of air provided by the high-lift wings in ground effect is so pronounced that the U-2 will not land unless the wing is fully stalled. A landing U-2 is accompanied on the ground by a chase car and an assisting U-2 pilot calling off the angles and declining aircraft height as the aircraft descends. Chase cars have included Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaro SSs, Pontiac GTOs, Pontiac G8 GTs, and Dodge Chargers."
 
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