Lockheed ER-2
Lockheed · United States · first flew 1981 · reconnaissance aircraft
The ER-2 is a civilian-operated, high-altitude research derivative of the U-2 spy plane, flown by NASA for atmospheric science and Earth-observation missions.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.92 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- extremely long, glider-like straight wings
- bicycle-style narrow undercarriage with wingtip 'pogo' outrigger wheels that drop away after takeoff
- single-engine U-2-derivative shape
Extremely long, glider-like straight wings and a bicycle undercarriage with wingtip 'pogo' outrigger wheels that drop away after takeoff are shared with the U-2 family.
Specifications
- The Lockheed ER-2 has a length of 18.92 m (62 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 31.5 m (103 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1981, the ER-2 gave NASA a stratospheric research platform built on the proven U-2 airframe, carrying scientific instruments rather than reconnaissance sensors.
Variants
Essentially a specialized U-2R derivative; NASA has operated a small number of ER-2s for decades from its Armstrong Flight Research Center.
Where you'll see it
Still flying NASA science campaigns, studying the atmosphere, climate and Earth's surface from altitudes above 20 km.
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