U-2 - T-shirt BBMF Hurricane MKIIC The Meteor first flew on

The Meteor first flew on 5th March 1943

Named after a Spartan leader

When the RN retired the Buccaneer in 1978

advanced trainer and light combat fighter

U-2 - T-shirt BBMF Hurricane MKIIC The Meteor first flew onLockheed U 2 'Dragon Lady' World War II taught the US military the value of strategic aerial reconnaissance. The Air Force commissioned the Beacon Hill Report that suggested an aircraft was needed that would carry advanced optics and operate at an altitude of over 70,000ft. Clarence Kelly Johnson from Lockheed designed a jet powered glider, the CL282. At this time the design was recommended to the CIA, so in 1955 the aircraft was re designated the U 2