Cold War U2 Spy Plane Question.?

Question

How many times has the American U2 Spy Plane traveled to the Soviet Union for information and pictures and then traveled back before it was eventually brought down in Russia during the Cold War? (there and back = 1 trip) Got curious watching an Area 51 documantary. Thanks.

Answer 1

Just as a side note too, the decision to retire the U2 was just announced.  They will be retired by 2012, gradually.

Answer 2

The actually number of missions is still classified.  However it did fly over the USSR for 4 years until one was "shot down"  by the Soviets.  

Keep in mind there were also other spy plane missions done,  generally called "Ferret Flights" by the USAF.  These were done with modified B29 bombers as well as RB-50 and RB-57 (Canberras).  Quite a few of those were shot down and the crews captured and neither side said a word.   It is thought some of the crews may still be help captive by the Russians.  

A pretty good article is linked below.    

Answer 3

I'm sure nobody knows the REAL answer.  

Answer 4

One aircraft loss was acknowledged. Pilot was Gary Francis Powers. He was repatriated in a "swap" where a Soviet agent who was captured in Brooklyn (Colonel Abel) was sent back to Soviet control. The swap took place at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. Mister Powers later became a news helicopter pilot in Los Angeles and died in a crash.  

Answer 5

they would have had to fly over every day to keep ahead of any troop movements so how many days where there in the cold war and as the US is still flying them who are they spying on

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