What does the U mean?

Question

What does the U in U-2 mean? I know F in F-16 means fighter.
thanks

Answer 1

In American military designations of aircraft, the letter 'U' would normally indicate a utility aircraft, as in an aircraft with no specific mission or one with multiple roles. The U-2 spy plane may have fallen into this category when it was first developed, and the 'U' designation was kept for security purposes. America's other famous spy plane, the SR-71 also has an unconventional designator. The SR is supposed to stand for 'Strategic Reconnaissance,' but no other recon aircraft in the fleet has a similar designator.

This web site has more information on American military aircraft designators...

Answer 2

The "U" originally was an official designator for various types of "utility" aircraft. Often it was found coupled to another designator to clarify its particular military role. For example there have been several aircrat with a "coupled" UC designator. This was an indicator that the plane often was used for cargo or passenger transport. In the case of the U -2, the secrecy of its various mission types most likely prompted the use of the "U" designator. Its more advanced cousin, the Lockheed SR 71 was given the "R" designator to denote its use in reconaissance duty. But the U-2 will always be remembered as such though reconaissance was indeed its primary job!

Answer 3

The U-2 is a single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude, reconnaissance aircraft. Long, (very long: 103 feet) wide, straight wings give the U-2 glider-like characteristics. It can carry a variety of sensors and cameras.So,U 2 stands for the spy plane.

But,I don't know what does U mean.It is probably some code or just part of the name. (spy plane).Sorry,I hope this helps!

Answer 4

The U in U-2 stands for utility.
They were designed and built for reconnaissance but since the CIA was the customer they gave them the somewhat benign designation of "utility".

Later models were given the designation of Tactical reconnaissance (TR-1) but eventually all of the later models are now called U-2S

Now you have to answer one for me, Why was the predecessor to the SR-71 called the A-12?

Answer 5

As said above,the U stands for Utility.In the U-2's case,it was given that designation as a cover and painting in NASA markings.

Answer 6

The U stands for the University of Miami

Answer 7

U in U-2 means You- 2. Hey... wanna e-mail me

Answer 8

Uhm...I don't know. What does the M in M-16 mean? ....THE WORLD MAY NEVER KNOW.