U-2 with fictitious NASA markings to support CIA cover story for pilot Gary Powers, shot down over S

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

09.23.2009

Courtesy Photo

NASA

After Francis Gary Powers was shot down over the Soviet Union during a CIA spy flight on 1 May 1960, NASA issued a press release with a cover story about a U-2 conducting weather research that may have strayed off course after the pilot "reported difficulties with his oxygen equipment." To bolster the cover-up, a U-2 was quickly painted in NASA markings, with a fictitious NASA serial number, and put on display for the news media at the NASA Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base on 6 May 1960. The next day, Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev exposed the cover-up by revealing that the pilot had been captured, and espionage equipment had been recovered from the wreckage.*7 May 1956*- NACA Director Dr. Hugh L. Dryden issues a press release stating that U-2 aircraft are conducting weather research for NACA with Air Force support from Watertown, Nevada.*22 May 1956*- A second press release is issued with cover story for U-2 aircraft operating overseas.*1 May 1960*- Francis Gary Powers is shot down near Sverdlovsk.*6 May 1960*- U-2 with fictitious NASA serial number and NASA markings is shown to news media to bolster cover story of NASA weather research flights with U-2.*7 May 1960*- Soviet Premier Kruschev announces capture and confession of Powers.*1960*- Dr. Hugh L. Dryden tells senate committee that some 200 U-2 flights carrying NASA weather instrumentation have taken place since 1956.*2 April 1971*- NASA receives two U-2C aircraft for high-altitude research.

NASA Identifier: NIX-E-5442

• Date Taken: 09.23.2009
• Date Posted: 10.10.2012 11:36
• Photo ID: 687121
• Resolution: 1536x1321
• Size: 323.65 KB
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US