The U-2 was a long-range Lockheed reconnaissance ‘black’ jet that emerged during the 1950s. It was produced under tremendous secrecy and initially flown from areas away from public gaze. It was stationed in the USA but plied its trade from a handful of selected sites worldwide. Its missions were flown by the USAF, but often on behalf of other agencies – the U-2 was initially funded and operated for 18 years by the CIA. Despite uninformed sources suggesting that UAVs and satellites could do the same role, but without risk to a pilot, the U-2 has proved this not to be the case. Indeed attempts to retire the fleet have all met with opposition, enabling the aircraft to remain in service to this day. Illustrated with over 160 illustrations, this book will detail the operations, select missions and the colour schemes/markings of this long-serving aircraft.