On this episode of The Downshift, we head to Beale Air Force Base, home of the U-2 Spyplane. Since 1957 the U-2 has been essential in collecting intelligence for the United States government. Even though the "Dragon Lady" has been upgraded in the past 60 years, it still remains one the most difficult planes to land. In order to achieve a height of 70,000ft, key components such as an ordinary landing gear had to be omitted. In order to land, pilots in Chevy Camaros and Pontiac G8's chase and talk the plane down to prevent damaging its lightweight and fragile components.

The Downshift appears every other Tuesday on the Motor Trend channel. http://www.youtube.com/motortrend

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