The U-2 Spy Plane Incident: A Cold War Crisis in the Sky

The U-2 spy plane incident of 1960 was a pivotal moment in the Cold War, exposing U.S. reconnaissance missions over Soviet territory and derailing diplomatic relations. When an American U-2 aircraft was shot down over the Soviet Union, it sparked an international scandal and dramatically increased tensions between the two superpowers.

What Is the U-2 Spy Plane?

The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed “Dragon Lady,” was a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed by the United States in the 1950s. It was designed to fly above 70,000 feet — beyond the reach of Soviet radar and anti-aircraft missiles — to photograph military installations and gather intelligence on enemy activities.

Key Features of the U-2

Specification	Details
Altitude	Above 70,000 feet (21,300 meters)
Mission Type	Strategic reconnaissance and intelligence gathering
Manufacturer	Lockheed Corporation (Skunk Works)
First Flight	1955

The 1960 Incident

On May 1, 1960, U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers