Out and about in the desert and mountains around Las Vegas, military aircraft will fly over your head and intrude upon your solitude. However, learning to identify aircraft in flight adds an odd twist to enjoying the outdoors while hiking and birding around Las Vegas -- how many species and varieties can you identify?

The U-2S provides high-altitude, all-weather surveillance and reconnaissance, day or night, delivering imagery and signals intelligence to decision makers throughout all phases of a conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, low-intensity conflict, and large-scale hostilities. U-2s are single-seat, single-engine, high-altitude aircraft that routinely are flown at near-space altitudes over 70,000 feet, requiring the pilot to wear a pressure suit similar to those worn by astronauts. The long, narrow wings give U-2s glider-like characteristics and allow them to quickly lift heavy sensor payloads to unmatched altitudes and keep them aloft for extended periods of time.

This aircraft from Beale AFB, California, has Tail Code BB and Tail Number 087. U-2s sometimes participate in Nellis Red Flag exercises.

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240215