JH> JS>> One reason for Cohen's confidence is that the U-2 flies higher
JH> JS>> than any other aircraft in the skies today; it's capable of reaching
JH> JS>> altitudes substantially above 80,000 feet. Not only is that altitude
JH> JS>> beyond the range of most surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles, 
t,
JH> CM>     One would think that in the 37 years since Powers' shoot down,
JH> CM>     the SAM capabilities would have been considerably improved.
JH>Why in the hell did they ever retire the SR-71 in favor of the much older
JH>U-2? It just doesn't make any sense.
    Seems like I read the reasons why, but just don't remember.
Aviation Week and Space Technology probably covered it pretty
well, but I can't afford the subscription, and I just don't
get up to the library much these days.
    Might have been maintenance/flight hour ratios, might
    have been cost factors - I just don't know.
..
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 * SLMR 2.1a * - Once you've made all the mistakes, you're an expert.
--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
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