Tesla Model S helps U-2 spy plane to take off from airfield

The Tesla Model S recently played a surprising role in helping a U-2 spy plane take off from a British airfield.

The unusual pairing brought together one of the most advanced electric vehicles and one of the oldest active aircraft in the U.S. Air Force.

It happened at RAF Fairford in the UK, where the iconic Cold War-era plane needed ground support before taking to the skies.

And while it may seem like an unlikely duo, there’s a practical reason behind it.

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The U-2 spy plane can’t see very well on the ground

The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed the ‘Dragon Lady’, has been in operation since the 1950s and was originally developed under a CIA code name.

It’s designed for high-altitude reconnaissance missions and has flown over conflict zones around the world for decades.

The U-2 is also capable of flying 70,000 feet above the Earth, getting right to the edge of space, which is insane for a plane developed more than 70 years ago.

However, one of its long-standing quirks is that it’s extremely difficult to operate while on the ground.

Due to its unique landing gear configuration and limited pilot visibility during taxiing, the U-2 often requires a chase car to help guide it along the airfield before takeoff and after landing.

These chase cars, typically driven by experienced U-2 pilots, follow the aircraft closely while communicating with the pilot to provide real-time updates on positioning, alignment, and wing tilt.

The Tesla Model S has the speed and handling required

But why the Tesla Model S?

Traditionally, muscle cars like Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros, and Pontiac G8s were used for the job, thanks to their speed and handling.

Presumably, it’s more difficult to procure American muscle cars in the US, so the Tesla Model S was a good replacement.

Of course, given that Tesla quietly removed the Model S and X from their European website, a new chase car might be needed in the future.

Another possibility is that the Air Force chose the EV because it was a more modern and sustainable solution.

In any case, the Tesla’s quick acceleration, silent operation, and precise control make it surprisingly well-suited for this niche role.

After all, an aging Tesla Model S Plaid is completely capable of smoking a brand new Chevy Corvette ZR1, so it’s pretty agile.

It’s capable of keeping up with the U-2 as it taxis and begins its takeoff roll, making sure the plane is in position.

In a world where old meets new, the image of an EV guiding a spy plane from the Cold War era is quite a unique moment in aviation history.

You can check out the full video below:

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