Rare silver U-2 spy plane flies for first time in over 2 years across California skies

The iconic U-2 spy plane has many distinct characteristics like its deep black paint, but one of Beale Air Force Bases Dragon Lady’s is showing off it silver underskin.
TU-2S 1078, the “T” standing for trainer, is back in the skies after more than two years on the ground as it underwent a series of repairs and regular maintenance, according to Beale AFB. During its time in the repair bay, 1078 had its iconic black paint stripped off, exposing its silver body panels.
Even though 1078 is back in the sky, it still needs to undergo a series of airworthiness tests before receiving a fresh coat of black paint.
Beale AFB said the trainer aircraft is about halfway through the reintroduction process before trainers and trainees can hop back in.
​Beale, located in Yuba County, is the only United States Air Force Base operating the U-2 Dragon Lady and hosts the entire inventory of U-2S and T-U2S.

nathan finneman , u2 , usaf, air force, doa , aviation, division of aerodynamics , aircraft, u2 spyplane ,