Head on out to the Beale Air and Space Expo happening this weekend. I'll be walking around Sunday and would be happy to chat up anybody there.
This was fun flight to do a photo shoot on. Back in 2018, we had never done a T-38/U-2 formation demo. This was a practice flight to get certification to perform in front of a crowd. This became the signature pass in front of the crowd. The U-2 leads the formation at nearly its maximum speed and once it starts the bank for the pass, it is basically committed and can't maneuver anymore. It takes a lot of force on the controls just to put it in that bank and there's really no fine tuning. So the timing is critical to make the apex of the turn right at stage center.
The T-38's are on the opposite of the spectrum. They are flying at close to the slowest maneuvering speeds possible. Every control and power application has to be precise to keep the slow moving aircraft in their fingertip position for the pass. Everyone is working incredibly hard throughout the demonstration. This was one flight I was definitely just a passenger taking pictures.
Come out and see what will hopefully not be one of the last times the U-2 will perform at Beale AFB.
#bealeairandspaceexpo2025 #bealeairshow #70yearsat70k #savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff#legacyofreconnaissance
19 hours ago
As a physics major, I specialized in light and optics. Or as I told all the ladies in the club, “I’m a laser physicist”, and they were suitably impressed and subsequently put as much distance between me and them as they could. You would think, years later, being able to spit out the phrase “I fly top secret spy missions at the edge of space for the US government” would do better with the ladies. Perhaps it’s just me. My wife also says I shouldn’t be using those pickup lines anymore because A) I’m married to her and B) I don’t actually fly those missions in the U-2 anymore.
While I never pursued an Air Force career in physics, I’ve always appreciated seeing physics in action. It’s probably one of the things that draws me to photography. It’s also why I was always fascinated seeing a sunset from high altitude. This shot grabs the reflection of the last of the direct sunlight hitting the exterior rear view mirror. While lower in the atmosphere, more of that yellow light is filtered out due to Rayleigh scattering, leaving red and orange light to wash over the cloud tops below. Some clouds aren’t getting any light anymore from the low angle. Soon the shadow of the Earth, known as the terminator will sweep up through the atmosphere and out into space.
It’s amazing to think that these interactions between the sun, Earth, and atmosphere are happening every second of every day at some point on the planet. How privileged to be in the exact spot to see all this come together from such a unique perspective.
Check out more pictures and videos at ExtremeRoss.com (link in bio)
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2 months ago
I don't post that much stuff from my current life. After soaring the stratosphere for nearly 14 years, I now cruise around at mere mortal altitudes of 30-40 thousand feet. But sometimes it can be equally breathtaking.
This was working our way around some storms in the southern hemisphere on our way into Brisbane. The sun is just starting to show it's colors and the Southern Cross sits high near the center of the picture. It really did look like a painting hanging in the sky.
Look for more pictures, stories, and videos on ExtremeRoss.com (link in bio)
#savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
3 months ago
It was always a sunny day or a starry night while flying the U-2. No matter what the weather was like on the ground, you were going to be above everything once you made the 20 minute climb to altitude.
I normally tried to not shoot directly into the sun. You would pick up a lot of reflections from the inside of the cockpit. But, sometimes the effects of the rays going through the inch thick acrylic canopy made a spectacular sight.
Enjoy more at ExtremeRoss.com (link in bio)
#notdoneyet #savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
4 months ago
A moment of zen
Even just a normal turn, 14 miles above the clouds below, was incredible to see. I never really tired of looking out the canopy of the U-2. The suit was a pain in the ass to prepare for and then put on. It wasn’t always the most comfortable to be strapped into the jet and then heat up trying to get airborne. Even having the most awesome suit technicians in the world didn’t make that process enjoyable.
But sitting there at 70,000 feet, looking out the canopy, made all of it worth it. You forgot you were wearing 35 pounds of gear, strapped into an aluminum glider, pushing the aircraft’s envelope. The engine is much quieter. You can hear it in the background of the video at actual volume. There was a peace, or serenity that came over you.
I will always miss that aspect of the U-2. I hoped to bring a little of that down for everyone else to enjoy through my photos and videos. Thanks for enjoying. Check out lots of cool stuff at ExtremeRoss.com (link in bio)
#savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
4 months ago
#whereisextreme
A rare low level view from this jet. One of my favorite places back in 2008 when this was taken. Anyone know where this is?
#savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
5 months ago
Looking down on the cold, frozen Hudson Bay, with the most amazing light show ever.
This was from probably my most famous flight back in 2018. There was some viral fame that came from this. There was suddenly a lot of interest in the U-2 from press around the world and our recruiting office suddenly had an influx of wannabe U-2 pilots.
As you might guess, this viral fame had a downside, particularly for me. Some high level military folks at higher commands didn’t have any good words for this and, well, you know how crap rolls downhill. Suddenly I was in the doghouse.
But I survived it, and my photos survived it. These were kind of a culmination of photographic training, research into equipment, and years long planning that I’m still proud of today. I won’t ever get this view again, and my heart is ok with that. The Dragon Lady was a special part of my life and I’m glad I worked to bring a little of that magic down for others to enjoy.
Happy New Year everyone
#savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
5 months ago
Living Life above 70,000 Feet!
I don’t often make shameless plugs for my stuff on here but I did want to show everyone that you can, for a limited time, get access to my entire “Premium Gallery” for just $20. To do this, visit the link for the Premium Gallery in the bio and then click the button for Buy Gallery Download. This will also make you eligible for free download of any future photos that go in the Premium Gallery.
As always, over 95% of my photos are already available through my website at full resolution, completely free. Visit the ExtremeRoss.com link in the bio.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
#savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
6 months ago
Here’s one I don’t think I’ve posted anywhere. And it will be your job to figure out where this is. It’s time for that favorite game #WhereIsExtreme
Give me location and aircraft
See more at ExtremeRoss.com
#savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
7 months ago
Not a bad way to spend the day.
I’m all set up for the mission. Got my Gatorade cut with water in the bottle with the long straw. The bottle sat really nice right by the mirror. Hanging on the mirror is a missionized checklist that incorporates the steps needed for operating and troubleshooting that particular day’s configuration of sensors in with normal operating items. Being good stewards of the mission equipment was one of the most important roles we fulfilled. Simply power cycling a particular camera might involve a dozen steps that had exact timing for flipping switches and such.
On the other end of whatever data link we were using for the day, was the Mission Operations Controller (MOC). This was an intelligence officer who was our link to all the other, sometimes a hundred or more, people who were performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance with the various sensors onboard the U-2. For some missions, they’re pretty much the only person you’re going to be talking to for 8-10 hours. Often, they were also literally on the other side of the planet from us. They were a vital part of a smooth and successful mission.
Also in this shot is a rare sighting of the yaw string right by my helmet. This string that ran front to back down the center of the canopy allowed us to trim the autopilot rudder to ensure we were flying straight and not in a slip. Slipping through the air at altitude would cause uneven feeding of the fuel from the wings and lead to large imbalances over the length of a mission. One of the oldest pieces of aviation tech, still in use for a modern mission.
Check out more like this at ExtremeRoss.com
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9 months ago
A little seen side of the U-2 operation. What happens when the 25,000 pound glider returns, lands on its bicycle gear, and comes to a stop. Well it tips over of course.
Luckily the plane is designed for this. There is a titanium alloy plate under each wing tip that prevents the soft aluminum skin from contacting the runway. Normally the large ailerons on each wing gave you control authority to balance the wings until almost a stop. Eventually one side will win out and hit the ground. Now the aircraft is a giant see-saw and a group of maintainers known as the Pogo Crew will come pull the high wing down and install the pogo wheels under each wing.
Fun fact: the U-2 doesn’t have an actual fuel gauge and sensors for the tanks like a normal airplane. Balancing fuel and keeping it balanced is crucial to a good landing and keeping control of the aircraft. At altitude, you trim the autopilot to fly straight with use of a yaw string. This keeps the fuel feeding evenly from each wing. On descent, you stop around 18,000 feet and essentially get the plane right near the stall speed to sense the fuel balance (or imbalance). Much faster than that and aerodynamic forces mask any fuel imbalance. You can move fuel from one wing to another but just have to time it.
Being out of balance can cause a wing to drop suddenly on landing, possibly putting you out of control. And can make it almost impossible to level the plane with the pogo crew. Normally just taking 1 or 2 people, I’ve seen up to 15 people needed to level the wings.
Taken in the Middle East back in 2008. Chase car was a Pontiac GTO.
See more on ExtremeRoss.com
#savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
10 months ago
Here’s a mystery photo for you internet sleuths. You’re cruising along in a 777 at 35,000 feet over the middle of the Pacific Ocean, far from any land, on a dark moonless night, and fly over this group of lights shining through the clouds.
I mean I’m assuming it’s a group of fishing boats but, damn, this was far away from anything. 600 miles southeast of Adak, Alaska. 900 miles northeast of Midway. And 2000 miles west of Portland. The actual coordinates for those who like particulars are N42 46.3, W171 26.6.
It was striking and I had to grab my camera. Taken with my Sony A7S3 and 24 mm f.14 GM lens.
So what do we all think this is? Squid boats, Lemuria, tuna boats, Atlantis…?
Head over to ExtremeRoss.com for lots of other cool aerial photos and videos
#savetheU2 #savethea10 #extremerossphotography #thepilotnetwork #aviationphotography #u2dragonlady #usairforce #u2driver @airandspacemuseum #extremeross #lockheed #stratosphere #avgeek #instaviation #aviation_lovers #aviationdaily #u2spyplane @theaviationist #instaaviationphotography #aviationlovers #niceview #niceviews #planespotter @eaa @aviationweek @thepilotnetwork #u2dragonladypilot #pilot #picoftheday #pilotpics #sunsets_captures #eclipses #beautifulworld_pics1 #beautifulworld @full_disc_aviation @combat_learjet @pilotstuff
11 months ago