The State : U-2 Goes Out in Grand Style
The last record-breaking flight of the last U-2 spy plane went off without a hitch at Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County. Lockheed test pilot Ron Williams, 54, flying the 34-year-old plane with a heavier fuel load than was carried in Monday’s record-setting runs, climbed to 72,720 feet, breaking the old record for this weight class by 40%, officials said. A total of 16 records were set during the two days, according to Lockheed officials. The plane will now be retired to Warner-Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia.
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