U-2 SpyPlane in Action

The Lockheed U-2 was conceived by Kelly Johnson, chief engineer of the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation and founder of the famous Lockheed "Skunk Works." Clarence "Kelly" Johnson joined Lockheed during 1933 upon graduation from the University of Michigan where he had been involved with wind tunnel testsof the Lockheed Model 10. During these tests he had formed an opinion that the Model 10 would be unstable. Being a new employee fresh out of college. Johnson was told by Hall Hibbard "See if you can do any belter.'" Johnson did and his design evolved into the famous Lockheed Electra. The brash young man became the sixth member of Lockheed's engineering team, and become Lockheed's Chief Engineer in 1938.
During 1936 the Army Air Corps issued a specification for a twin engined fighter air­craft with a top speed of 367 mph. Lockheed and Kelly Johnson met the specification with a design that evolved into the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a fast, maneuverable fighter with a longer range than any contemporary US fighter. It was the speed and range of the Lightning that led Johnson into the field of aerial reconnaissance, and ultimately to the U-2.