THEME!
When originally testing the U-2, they painted them in NACA (forerunner of NASA) markings, claiming they were for "high altitude environmental testing" . . .
Johnson originally didn't want them painted, as it hurt their performance with added drag (over against smooth metal) and weight.
The U-2 NACA markings added to a silver 10 (with a matching U-2 model also displayed) would make an interesting conversation piece!
I once thought of themeing mine as a silver B-25 or A/B-26 Invader, but the irony of the xB's country of origin and the intended purpose of those aircraft made me hold back . . .
In an ironic twist of history, after the SR-71 "replaced" the U=2 and the U-2R came out, the older ones WERE used for high altitude testing by NASA, painted like:
Looking for picts of NASA painted U-2Cs, I see the newer models are/were also used by NASA too (as the long noses make unmistakable).
If you want to talk, off open forum, PM me!
I LOVE the old Skunkworks stuff!
