The SR-71 was a fascinating spy plane, but the grandfather of them all is the U-2. The U-2 actually outlasted the SR-71, which was originally intended to be its replacement. The linked article discusses the chase cars which followed the U-2 to assist it in landing.

A summary of how to land a U-2 spy plane:

• Slow down, fly down to the deck at around 140 mph.

• Have chase cars drive on runway, hauling ass behind you and offering radio advice.

• Land plane in polite, controlled crash.

• Don’t screw up.

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