SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-u2-sr71-recon

Which two airplanes were built to fly very high over other countries to watch from above?

The U-2 and the SR-71.

Start playing free

  1. The U-2 and the SR-71 ✔
  2. The B-2 and the F-117A
  3. The 707 and the 727

Why: During the Cold War both sides wanted to see what the other was doing. The U-2 and SR-71 were reconnaissance planes that flew so high they were hard to reach.

Huh, didn't know that: The Cold War arms race put new weight on reconnaissance and surveillance, from airplanes and satellites.

The dad joke
Why are spy planes so good at hide and seek? They're always over your head.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: The U-2 and the SR-71. During the Cold War both sides wanted to see what the other was doing. The U-2 and SR-71 were reconnaissance planes that flew so high they were hard to reach.

  1. Aerospace: The Journey of Flight, Teacher's Guide (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    The U-2 and the SR-71 were developed to fly at high altitudes over enemy territory.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Aerospace: The Journey of Flight, Teacher's Guide (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    This put emphasis on reconnaissance, surveillance and command and control.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesWhich two superpowers stood at the center of the Cold War?Flying & DronesWhy was the rivalry called a cold war?Flying & DronesIn 1947, which law made the US Air Force its own separate branch of the military?

That's stuff everyone should know.