★ FAMOUSSpace & science
NASA ER-2
A U-2 retrained for science — same airframe, different mission
Tail number N806NA
The story
A U-2 spy plane in NASA colors. The ER-2 flies Earth-science missions above 70,000 feet — higher than 99% of everything else airborne — mapping wildfires, calibrating satellites, and sampling air nothing else can reach. Landing one requires a chase car calling out the last two feet of altitude.
Fun fact
At mission altitude an ER-2 pilot can see the curvature of the Earth — and the stall and overspeed limits are only a few knots apart.
Quick answers
What is the tail number of NASA ER-2?
N806NA (Lockheed ER-2).
What kind of aircraft is NASA ER-2?
Lockheed ER-2.
Is it still flying?
Yes, it is still active.
The type
More space & science
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