The U-2 multi sensor reconnaissance and surveillance plane first flew in Article 341 prototype form during August 1955, and was followed by a comparatively small number of production aircraft stretching from the original U-2A to the current TR-1. The type was capable of extended cruise at so high an altitude that it was thought invulnerable to Soviet air defenses until a U-2B was down over the USSR by a Soviet surface to air missile in May 1960. The aircraft of the U-2 series, especially the initial machine, were very tricky to fly, and after the loss of several single seat it was thought essential to develop a two seat conversion trainer. At least two such trainer were produced by converting one U-2C and one U-2D into U-2CTs with the instructor's cockpit locate behind and above the standard cockpit using the volume of the erstwhile Q-bay, where the inertial navigation system and other electronic were previously accommodated. 

Model:U-2CT

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