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The details about the camera equipment seems to be newly declassified. Super interesting.

If you enjoyed this video definitely check out Skunk Works by Ben Rich. He ran the experimental R&D wing that developed the U2, SR-71 and the F-117. It has really interesting information about the development and operation of all these planes. Some of which I was shocked as allowed to be printed.

Second this. Skunk Works by Ben Rich is basically a real life Tom Clancy novel

It was gifted to me by @davidu when I worked for him, and I finally started reading it last night!

The U2 pilots typically don't even know what sensor equipment they're using either - it's all super hush-hush. They basically go up, fly their routes, and land without knowing what's going on underneath.

No - that's not true. Pilots are fully aware of the sensor configuration. There are a number of sensor controls and circuit breakers in the cockpit that are checklist and operator items. Pilots must be able to help troubleshoot some types of sensor failures.

The pilots don't usually see raw product because it's really not in their lane - but they are the aircraft commander and pretty much know quite a bit of detail about stuff mounted to the aircraft.

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