A dragon takes flight

A U-2 “Dragon Lady” takes off from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 15, 2013. U-2 pilots train at Beale using two-seat aircraft before deploying for operational missions. The four black crosses on the tower in the background represent four WWI offensives in which squadrons later assigned to the 9th Wing participated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released

A dragon takes flight

A U-2 “Dragon Lady” prepares to take off as a chase car trails the aircraft on Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 15, 2013. Chase cars travel at high speeds along the runway to guide the aircraft during takeoffs and landings.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released)

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A dragon takes flight

A U-2 “Dragon Lady” speeds past the control tower at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 15, 2013. Other than astronauts, U-2 pilots climb to elevations higher than any other aviators on earth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released)

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A dragon takes flight

A U-2 “Dragon Lady” takes off from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., March 15, 2013. U-2 pilots train at Beale using two-seat aircraft before deploying for operational missions. The four black crosses on the tower in the background represent four WWI offensives in which squadrons later assigned to the 9th Wing participated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bobby Cummings/Released

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Photos: A Dragon takes flight

Published March 19, 2013