Hello Guys. Currently building/researching U-2C, Art. 360, as last flown on May 1, 1960. Using AFV’s U-2A and U-2C kits in 1/48. There is very little info available on this bird. Hoping someone might be able to point me to any additional references out there. As it currently stands, what I know (or at least suspect) is that this was an “A” model, that was converted to a “C” model, with the larger engine, and “interim” intakes, which AFV conveniently provides in their “C” kit. It was supposedly fitted out with an early “B” camera and Q-bay cover, and had System III, and System VI ELINT, and a “Granger” ECM in the drag chute compartment. The System III ELINT gear was installed behind those interesting tan(?) colored patches (perhaps fiberglass?) you see on the nose sides and Q-bay hatch. It had no dorsal pod, as seen on later “C” models, but did have the early ventral fin, housing the System VI stuff. “Giant Stride” early wing slipper tanks.
As far as colors and markings, it was supposedly totally un-marked, save for the usual stenciling stuff, but some say this varied, as the birds that flew stand-off missions supposedly had small, 3-digit article numbers on the tail (in white?), but for over-flights these were supposedly removed. So as far as I know, the bird, as configured for 1 May 60, was “un-marked”?
Base exterior color was FS 35042, which was a very dark Navy blue. Sunshade was an early white. Cockpit interior was a dark green upper (resembles FS34092), including canopy rails, windscreen/canopy interior framing, control “wheel”, and upper rear bulkhead. Below canopy rail line, cockpit was a light/medium gray (resembles FS 36231).
Inside wheel wells and air brakes, a chromate yellow/green (between FS 34151 and FS 33481)? Judging from the surviving airframe (parts) in Russian museums, Lockheed was using an early chromate color, veering towards yellow. At least the intake (and aft fuselage) interiors appear to be this color. I saw no evidence of any white-painted parts. But the parts are very old, and uh, incomplete.
Any additional info, highly appreciated. This is such a historically significant bird, but also shrouded in much mystery. No known photos (well, intact), just going off period painting, markings, and config of similar company birds.
Principal references:
“50 Years of the U-2”, Pocock
“We Were Never There”, vol. 1, Wright
“Lockheed U-2”, Miller
“Dreamland”, Merlin
“Operation Over-flight”, Powers
“Spy Pilot”, Powers (Jr)