21 Votes (4.71 Average) and 3,826 Views  

Lockheed ER-2 (6810336) - KRDD - I got a text at 11:00am 5/25/2021 that a U-2 was going to do pattern work at Redding after launching from Beale AFB - I asked for timing, they said lunch time. So I adjusted my work schedule "just a bit" and drove to the vantage point and turned on the Scanner. I heard a call sign, something like 'Opinion 2"? unsure but I got out of the car.... and off in the distance approaching Runway 34 was the U-2....woo hoo! I set the camera as best I could as facing the Sun...after 4 approach and passes, the U-2 get's clearance from ATC on the last pass for a right turn and climb to 10,000 or 12,000ft and head back to Beale AFB. I didn't expect an Airshow climb out ( I haven't been to an Airshow in 10 yrs ) almost vertical super loud crackling bad *ss powerup and climb. As the U-2 turned towards Beale I was able to get this shot - highly cropped, but enlarged it looks like the Pilot has his right arm out the window!
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Lockheed ER-2 (6810336)

Submitted

KRDD - I got a text at 11:00am 5/25/2021 that a U-2 was going to do pattern work at Redding after launching from Beale AFB - I asked for timing, they said lunch time. So I adjusted my work schedule "just a bit" and drove to the vantage point and turned on the Scanner. I heard a call sign, something like 'Opinion 2"? unsure but I got out of the car.... and off in the distance approaching Runway 34 was the U-2....woo hoo! I set the camera as best I could as facing the Sun...after 4 approach and passes, the U-2 get's clearance from ATC on the last pass for a right turn and climb to 10,000 or 12,000ft and head back to Beale AFB. I didn't expect an Airshow climb out ( I haven't been to an Airshow in 10 yrs ) almost vertical super loud crackling bad *ss powerup and climb. As the U-2 turned towards Beale I was able to get this shot - highly cropped, but enlarged it looks like the Pilot has his right arm out the window!

Comments

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Gary Schenauer
A Beale-based High Flyer - VERY high. Sweet catch. Ultra 5 pic, T. Well done. And TY for sharing it w/us.
Greg Byington
Very cool, Tom!
James Wisely
Great shot !
a mentor
PS; Francis Gary Powers (August 17, 1929 – August 1, 1977) was an American pilot whose Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Lockheed U-2 spy plane was shot down while flying a reconnaissance mission in Soviet Union airspace, causing the 1960 U-2 incident.
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