Behind the Wings

Spying From 70,000 Feet - Episode 55

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Retired Pilot Lt. Col. Josh Cadice shares his story of going to the edge of space in one of the most iconic spy planes ever built.


In this episode, Josh discusses flying the KC-135, wearing the pressure suit, piloting the mysterious U-2 at 70,000 feet, and its aerial reconnaissance capabilities. From Cold War origins to modern missions, this aircraft’s legacy is as fascinating as it is classified. This one is going to be cool!

Resources:

  • U-2 Air Force Fact Sheet 
  • KC-135 Air Force Fact Sheet 

Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (01:14) - Flying the U-2 Overview
  • (03:10) - Aviation Beginnings and the USAFA
  • (04:18) - The Civil Air Patrol
  • (04:39) - U-2 History
  • (06:00) - Flying the KC-135
  • (07:19) - Stratotanker Upgrades
  • (08:05) - Aerial Refueling
  • (10:16) - Becoming a U-2 Pilot
  • (11:42) - Dragon Lady Training
  • (13:24) - First Solo
  • (14:30) - Mission Training
  • (15:00) - The Pressure Suit
  • (19:18) - U-2 Takeoffs and Landings
  • (20:35) - The Chase Car
  • (22:03) - Landing Close Call
  • (23:01) - Flying Missions at 70,000 Feet
  • (26:07) - Operational Differences
  • (27:49) - Aerial Reconnaissance
  • (29:49) - What It Takes to be a U-2 Pilot
  • (30:48) - Landing the Dragon Lady
  • (33:24) - The Future of Spy Planes
  • (34:51) - Flying for United
  • (35:41) - Josh's Advice
  • (36:56) - Outro

    • ...more
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