Forum on U-2 Spy Plane

United Kingdom-based defense authority Chris Pocock, author of 50 Years of the U-2, a standard reference book on the reconnaissance aircraft, will recount the history of the spy plane Monday, July 25th at 2:30 p.m. on Forum Stage 7, and Tuesday, July, 26th at 10 a.m. at the Vette Theater. 

Pocock, who’s flown in the aircraft, will explain how Lockheed Martin has modernized the U-2, which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, for the missions it currently flies, as detailed in his latest book, Dragon Lady Today: The Continuing Story of the U-2 Spyplane. 

The richly illustrated new volume contains more than 100 previously unpublished photos. Over the course of 30 years of covering the U-2 program, Pocock has “talked to hundreds of U-2 pilots, maintainers, managers and commanders,” providing a fascinating perspective on how this high-flying cold warrior has adapted to changing needs, and evolving tactics of adversaries, to remain a vital part of the U.S. and Allied intelligence gathering apparatus.