Ex 56-6682

Originally built as U-2A 56-6681 and later converted to a WU-2A. Modified as a U-2G capable of operating off US Navy aircraft carriers. Transferred to NASA and remodified back to U-2C version. NASA operated this a/c from 1971 through 1987 out of the Ames Research Center at Moffett Field. It is now on display there.

This U-2 was built initially as a U-2A and underwent conversion, firstly, to a U-2B and then to a U-2C. It was nicknamed 'The Saint during its service with the AF thunderstorm research program and it also served with the CIA and various Reconnaissance Wings. It was struck-off in 1982 and ferried to Offutt AFB for preservation. It now hangs from the roof of the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum at Ashland.

Two of five 349th SRS/100th SRW U-2s on the Airborne Location Strike System/Pave Strike deployment to Wethersfield in May and June 1975. 56-6700 crashed near Bonn in Germany just days after this shot, on 29.5.75. The official press realease stated that they were involved in a "high altitude sampling program"