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Chase car

A pilot with the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron advises a pilot landing a U-2 from a chase car on Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 8, 2013. A U-2’s unique shape adds more of a challenge in landing, as the pilot cannot see the distance of his back wheel to the ground. Chase cars driven by U-2 pilots, act as the eyes from the flightline. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Alexis Siekert)

Chase cars keep U-2 pilots on track

Published June 17, 2013
By Senior Airman Alexis Siekert
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Flying down the runway at more than 110 miles per hour, a chase car coaches the landing of a U-2.

According to the U-2's official factsheet, the U-2 provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, in direct support of U.S. and allied forces. It delivers critical imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities.

To allow the aircraft to perform its duties, the U-2 has a unique shape. This makes for a very challenging landing and requires the verbal assistance of another U-2 pilot to safely land the aircraft in a full stall on its tail wheel.

Chase cars, called "mobiles", driven by U-2 pilots, act as the eyes from the flightline. Mobile drivers are responsible for reporting the landing aircraft's altitude and attitude among other things directly to the pilot to help him taxi, land and take off.

"You're the eyes of the pilot," explained Lt. Col. Steve (last name withheld due to operational security constraints), 5th Reconnaissance Squadron director of operations. "Visibility is poor. As the mobile, you act as the copilot from the car."