Our numbers
Derived metrics
Computed by aircraft.fyi from the core specification — see how we calculate these.
Range per tonne#6 of 65
553.8 km/t maximum range ÷ MTOW in tonnes
Span-to-length ratio#2 of 68
1.63 wingspan ÷ fuselage length
Weight per metre#61 of 68
0.97 t/m MTOW ÷ fuselage length
Range in hours#12 of 65
12.8 h maximum range ÷ cruise speed
Sense of scale
How big is it, really?
The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady's wingspan, against things you already know the size of.
Specification
The numbers
| Length | 19.20 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 31.39 m |
| Height | 4.88 m |
| MTOW | 18,600 kg |
| Max speed | 805 km/h |
| Range | 10,300 km |
| Crew | 1 |
| First flight | 1955 |
| Built | 104 |
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Last verified: 2026-07-20 · Spot an error? business@luck.fyi
The story
What makes it different
The 31 m wing gives it the aspect ratio of a sailplane. Pilots wear pressure suits and a chase car calls out height on landing.
Against a 31.39 m wingspan the Lady carries 18,600 kg at maximum takeoff weight and reaches 805 km/h. First flight was 1955, and 104 were built.
Common questions
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady — the short answers
How fast is the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady?
The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady cruises at about 805 km/h — roughly 435 knots, or 500 mph.
How far can the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady fly?
The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady has a maximum range of about 10,300 km (5,562 nautical miles, 6,401 miles). At its cruise speed that is roughly 12.8 hours in the air.
Is the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady still in production?
Status: Out of production — in service. The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady first flew in 1955, and about 104 have been built.
How big is the Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady?
The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady is 19.2 m long with a wingspan of 31.39 m and a height of 4.88 m. Its maximum takeoff weight is 18,600 kg.
Variants
The Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady line
Compare
Put it next to something
- Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady vs Rockwell B-1B Lancer →
- Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady vs Grumman F-14 Tomcat →
Sources
Primary sources
Further reading