Wow, flying the most advanced plane of the time, on the edge of space, navigating with stars, flying over the USSR, being chased by multiple MiGs, all whilst watching the Aurora Borealis off to your side... what a flight!
The Soviets agreed to withdraw their missiles after the US agreed to pull nukes out Turkey. An action that had triggered the Soviet response in the first place.
Wonderful video, as usual. One note, though: Gary Powers wasn't tortured, per se. He was subjected to sleep deprivation and long hours of interrogation but he wasn't physically tortured. Hell, he even had a conjugal visit from his wife!
They were to shoot them down, and just happened to have nuclear tipped missiles loaded at the time intended to kill bomber formations. There wasn't time to rearm with conventional weapons which would normally be tasked for tactical engagements.
Nuclear anti-aircraft missiles were not at all unusual. The Nike ground to air missiles (similar to Russian SAM's) could be armed with nuclear warheads designed to down an entire formation of Russian bombers. I visited one of the four former bases in South Florida. The ultimate experience is the old Nike site in San Fran. Those are underground inside thick bomb-proof steel doors and come up electrically. As an *operational* museum it chilled me to the bone seeing them come up before my eyes and point skyward. Talk about a sign of the Armageddon!
It's been said that when JFK heard about this plane, in the middle of the extremely tense atmosphere in DC (due to Cuba), he paused, shook his head and with a laugh, said: "there's always some [expletive] who doesn't get the message".
I was in Cuba a few years ago (2016?) they had pieces of a U2 they had shot down. I never knew about that one, only the incident with Gary Powers over the USSR, and now this one. It makes me wonder what other mishaps have happened that we will never hear about.
I learned about the Gary powers flight in history at school. But I never Heard about this one. Thanks for educating me about the little known bits of history. That’s why I love this channel.
You forgot to mention, that it was nuclear missiles in Turkey, that triggered Cuba missiles placement. And they where removed all together when crisis was finished.
I am an American and had never heard this..what is wrong with our educational system? Thankfully we have this british friend with these excellent videos that spark interest. Thanks Dr. Felton.
I had a Ukrainian co-worker, he knew more about American history then I did; I consider myself somewhat of a history buff. America is dumbed down, politicians can control us easier.
History nerd myself. Was always amazed how winning side propaganda lingered on as real history across the decades. Some of the stuff said about Germans in WW1 was just apalling.
@cforr154 -- Yes, this is an EVENT. Not a history class lecture. While a great story, it's not much of a history lesson in and of itself. And certainly couldn't be replicated today as a warning with pilot's who have access to backlit, real-time star maps, GPS location tracking, and a helmet mounted display that can literally PROJECT THE STARS in front of your face at any time of day, night, or weather condition.
Ideas for future videos: Operation moolah (How a North Korean defected with a MiG 15) The Kuomintang army in WW2 (which used Japanese, German, Italian, Allied and Soviet tanks) Mathias Rust flight to the Kremlin Keep up the great work!
I never heard of this incident but I sure do remember the Cuban Missile Crisis. I can also remember the U2 incident with Francis Gary Powers. So hard to believe it is approaching 60 years.
I bet the airforce was super ready for the blackbird when it entered service. Now it was higher and faster, and most importantly it could air to air refuel.
I love your work Mark, you are the UK's equal to the US's "The History Guy". I'll see you on Patreon as soon as I can... Keep it up! I'm a Pacific War specialist and you (I'm embarrassed to say) teach me more about this than I know, AND the European Theatre of things, which I don't know. The time I spend watching your great stuff is time very well spent! Thanks Mark, you are an important part of my life! LOL!
Omg! I had to pause this video to get a snack and COFFEE! The suspense was epic because it was REAL. Mr. Felton, You have always presented history the way it SHOULD BE TAUGHT. This... is something I did not know... that's saying a lot since I study history like a bad habit. You present the best of the unknowns.
I'm gonna guess that getting lost probably ended that Captains flying career.... my fixed wing transition course Chief Pilot was a U-2 Squadron Commander. He said they fly in a bizarre envelope of just 20knots between overspeed and stalling .
Wow great job Mark. Sometimes I’ll see one of your videos and think I’m not that interested in watching, and after watching I’m amazed how good and informative it was. My favorite UA-cam channel, bravo sir.
Another amazing story Mr. Mark Felton! I truly believe you have the best channel on UA-cam. I tell anyone that likes/loves history about your channel. Keep up the wonderful work, it is appreciated!
Cheers Mark, another good one. Fun fact: with respect to the Cuban missile crisis, it's worth pointing out that the USA in "connivance" with Italy and Turkey, had Jupiter nuclear missiles deployed in those counties before the USSR deployed missiles in Cuba. It's very rare to see this fact mentioned in western sources, some kind of memory hole...
Prior to the Cuban missile crisis, the US had Russia surrounded by nuclear missiles and planes from Turkey to Germany. Nothing is ever mentioned about this.
Powers landed near the Ural village.The peasants thought he was a Soviet cosmonaut.They began to talk to him.He was very frightened.It was a beautiful performance!
I can see why. US incompetence almost ended life as we know it. The pilot made a mistake but had the skill to correct it. The incompetence was continuing to violate Soviet airspace during such a tense period. Based on some accounts I've read Kennedy's own General Staff were trying to start WWIII. It wouldn't surprise me to find out they were continuing these flights to do just that.
Great documentary. Amazing that the pilot was able to make it back, as the U-2 had a fairly narrow flight regime at high altitudes. Deviation from this could result in stalls or flame-outs. So, the pilot had to multi-task between navigating and also watching his fuel levels, speed, angle of attack. Not to mention keeping an eye on Soviet fighters trying to shoot him down!
I wonder how we averted nuclear war in 1962 with all the screw ups, but I would have never known because I was 4 months old in October. Thanks for the history lesson.
I was born towards the end of the Crises about 4 months after you. Mom said she thought I'd never get the chance. It was cool hearing their stories of the Crises. My dad was in the Navy in Key West. They closed the only road in, US1, to civilian traffic unless you got a special pass from the Navy. They stretched barbed-wire and machine-gun emplacements along the beach and brought in portable anti-aircraft missiles that were placed all around the island on tripods. To this day the towers that housed the missile radar controlling apparatus are still here, rusting away in the Florida sun. IIRC they were Hawk missiles. Most streets running E/W and N/S end at the ocean. At the terminus of many streets sat an army tank as a _"Welcome to Key West."_
Flying a U2 mission is far more difficult than most people realize. As you go higher the air gets thinner, this increases your Stall Speed. At the U2's maximum altitude the planes maximum speed and stall speed are less than 50 mph apart, to suddenly turn the aircraft (avoid a missile) and you have lost control.
I've heard a former U2 pilot describe them as "just strong enough to stay together". While a slight exaggeration, taking evasive actions like a traditional fighter were not possible.
wing walker, preventing the wing from dragging on the ground until the aircraft has a bit of airflow keeping it up. Later models had small wheels on the wingtips.
Yep, they dont teach this in school that the US agreed to remove the Turkish missiles to settle the "crisis" that the US started. Jumping ahead to the future, with NATO encircling Russia, I think we might see another "missile crisis". Whats good for the goose is good for the gander lol
Years ago my neighbor told me that the airforce had a pair of 1968 SS el caminos that they would drive down the runway when a U2 was landing with a guy in the back of each one to catch the wing tips because the U2 dumped its wheels after takeoff
Thumbs up for beginning music alone. I really like how you are very informed on small details and a well crafted video's. William Horsley. AIR FORCE BRAT. !!!
Your videos are so much better without the dramatic music. Id forget you used to put it in until the end with the titling music. Great video, very informative
Former New York Times reporter Micheal Dobbs provided an excellent account of this other U-2 incident in his 2008 book about the Cuban Missile Crisis, One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War.
Excellent video as always Dr Felton. I already knew some of the U2 programme but always good to hear some of the more exciting tales. I was reading about the British T Class submarine HMS Trident the other day and how it served for a while in 1941 with a young female reindeer named Pollyanna on board and thought it would be great story for your fine channel.
Good video bro! I don't comment much but you are one of the rare UA-camrs that I have notifications on for. Keep up the good work and have a great weekend! Much love from Australia. 🙏🏼🇦🇺
@@ezrabrooks12 Except it wasn't "enemy airspace" in that sense. The 2 countries were at peace. A tense, uneasy peace, but not at war. A huge difference between a spy plane mission and a bomber mission.
Nuclear air to air missiles?! That's a new one on me. Can you do episode on US military efforts to build a nuclear powered aircraft and the related Idaho incident that resulted in two deaths at a reactor. My father was there when it happened as a Navy chief circa late '50s.
The U-2 never ceased to amaze and surprise, from the drop of “pogo stick” outrigger undercarriage to its service calling and that pilots, so I understand, get the astronaut patch, fantastic spy plane. Thanks for sharing this interesting and informative film. 👍
During operations, the U2 was painted in black with red serials. Eleven hour flights were exceptional and became known to the general public in the 1970s as U2s conducted non-military flights (e.g. California to Guatamala city a 5000 Km trip to survey earthquake damage).
Very interesting about the "other" U2 incident. Was only a very young child when this incident happened so don't remember it. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to your next one !
Wow, flying the most advanced plane of the time, on the edge of space, navigating with stars, flying over the USSR, being chased by multiple MiGs, all whilst watching the Aurora Borealis off to your side... what a flight!
*Nuclear-tipped air-to-air missiles*
Those were the days...
I thought the ‘other’ U-2 incident was when they forced that album on us.
Very nice.
Bono. The most sanctimonious man in the whole world.
There have been many of those U2 incidents
Atheist Orphan that they did!! 🤣🤣
The day we all wished we had one of those cyanide tipped pins.
The Soviets agreed to withdraw their missiles after the US agreed to pull nukes out Turkey. An action that had triggered the Soviet response in the first place.
I don't know how you find all this information but thank you so much for all your work. Always looking forward to your next video.
LOOK!
Books
Wonderful video, as usual. One note, though: Gary Powers wasn't tortured, per se. He was subjected to sleep deprivation and long hours of interrogation but he wasn't physically tortured. Hell, he even had a conjugal visit from his wife!
With the high tensions, it is surely a miracle that the pilot made it safely to Alaska.
Wow, just one more thing not mentioned in history class. I was taught about Powers being shot down. Thank you for the information.
Although i agree the curriculum taught in school is awful with its agenda, this doesn't really need to be taught. Its cool though.
That $7.2 million that the US paid for Alaska saved that pilots life. Great story from the annals of the Cold War Mr Felton. Thank you.
While people still walk... in ignorance.
Your comment was epically true.
In the future Greenland will also be US soil!
Yet another reason Greenland would be a good buy!
Without the Alaska purchase, probably, world history would be so dramatically changed as to avoid the cold war as we know it.
Shooting down the MIGs with nuclear tip misses..wow. Another great video Mark. Best channel on UA-cam
They were to shoot them down, and just happened to have nuclear tipped missiles loaded at the time intended to kill bomber formations.
There wasn't time to rearm with conventional weapons which would normally be tasked for tactical engagements.
Nuclear anti-aircraft missiles were not at all unusual. The Nike ground to air missiles (similar to Russian SAM's) could be armed with nuclear warheads designed to down an entire formation of Russian bombers. I visited one of the four former bases in South Florida. The ultimate experience is the old Nike site in San Fran. Those are underground inside thick bomb-proof steel doors and come up electrically. As an *operational* museum it chilled me to the bone seeing them come up before my eyes and point skyward. Talk about a sign of the Armageddon!
It's been said that when JFK heard about this plane, in the middle of the extremely tense atmosphere in DC (due to Cuba), he paused, shook his head and with a laugh, said: "there's always some [expletive] who doesn't get the message".
I was in Cuba a few years ago (2016?) they had pieces of a U2 they had shot down. I never knew about that one, only the incident with Gary Powers over the USSR, and now this one.
It makes me wonder what other mishaps have happened that we will never hear about.
I learned about the Gary powers flight in history at school. But I never Heard about this one. Thanks for educating me about the little known bits of history. That’s why I love this channel.
You forgot to mention, that it was nuclear missiles in Turkey, that triggered Cuba missiles placement. And they where removed all together when crisis was finished.
All true!
I am an American and had never heard this..what is wrong with our educational system? Thankfully we have this british friend with these excellent videos that spark interest. Thanks Dr. Felton.
I had a Ukrainian co-worker, he knew more about American history then I did; I consider myself somewhat of a history buff. America is dumbed down, politicians can control us easier.
History nerd myself. Was always amazed how winning side propaganda lingered on as real history across the decades. Some of the stuff said about Germans in WW1 was just apalling.
@cforr154 -- Yes, this is an EVENT. Not a history class lecture.
While a great story, it's not much of a history lesson in and of itself. And certainly couldn't be replicated today as a warning with pilot's who have access to backlit, real-time star maps, GPS location tracking, and a helmet mounted display that can literally PROJECT THE STARS in front of your face at any time of day, night, or weather condition.
Ideas for future videos:
Operation moolah (How a North Korean defected with a MiG 15)
The Kuomintang army in WW2 (which used Japanese, German, Italian, Allied and Soviet tanks)
Mathias Rust flight to the Kremlin
Keep up the great work!
I never heard of this incident but I sure do remember the Cuban Missile Crisis. I can also remember the U2 incident with Francis Gary Powers. So hard to believe it is approaching 60 years.
There's also the Anderson U-2 downing over Cuba in 1962, sadly it didn't end up well for him.
I bet the airforce was super ready for the blackbird when it entered service. Now it was higher and faster, and most importantly it could air to air refuel.
I love your work Mark, you are the UK's equal to the US's "The History Guy". I'll see you on Patreon as soon as I can... Keep it up! I'm a Pacific War specialist and you (I'm embarrassed to say) teach me more about this than I know, AND the European Theatre of things, which I don't know. The time I spend watching your great stuff is time very well spent! Thanks Mark, you are an important part of my life! LOL!
The 'Felton Fanatics' are not disappointed. Great job Dr. Felton!
Omg!
I had to pause this video to get a snack and COFFEE!
The suspense was epic because it was REAL.
Mr. Felton,
You have always presented history the way it SHOULD BE TAUGHT.
This... is something I did not know... that's saying a lot since I study history like a bad habit.
You present the best of the unknowns.
Yeah!
Why don't they make a fucking film about that? Hollywood might actually make something worth watching for a change.
I'm gonna guess that getting lost probably ended that Captains flying career.... my fixed wing transition course Chief Pilot was a U-2 Squadron Commander. He said they fly in a bizarre envelope of just 20knots between overspeed and stalling .
My Saturday morning cartoons!
Carlos Matute hahaha me too.
Just imagine how Maultsby must have felt when he saw the friendly planes on his wings after hours of MIG's hunting him.
Imagine flying so high you can navigate by the stars during the day.
Top notch as always, Dr Felton! Those days of the Cold War- we felt like we were sitting on a knife's edge. I never knew about his incident.
Wow great job Mark. Sometimes I’ll see one of your videos and think I’m not that interested in watching, and after watching I’m amazed how good and informative it was. My favorite UA-cam channel, bravo sir.
Only 7 minutes and there are thousand of views! You're so good
I can't imagine how quickly that pilots heart was in his throat hearing the Russian broadcasts.
im a novice historian..your channel is fantastic
Best channel on UA-cam. Keep it up, Mark!
I never knew that there was another " U-2" incident. Very informative and another great video Mark !
As usual, a very interesting and informative video.
Thank you for one of the most consistently fascinating channels on the internet.
Another amazing story Mr. Mark Felton! I truly believe you have the best channel on UA-cam. I tell anyone that likes/loves history about your channel. Keep up the wonderful work, it is appreciated!
Good, informative video as always. Thank you.
who could dislike this video. very informative! keep up the good work!
Great stuff. Classified information at one time no doubt.
Cheers Mark, another good one. Fun fact: with respect to the Cuban missile crisis, it's worth pointing out that the USA in "connivance" with Italy and Turkey, had Jupiter nuclear missiles deployed in those counties before the USSR deployed missiles in Cuba. It's very rare to see this fact mentioned in western sources, some kind of memory hole...
Prior to the Cuban missile crisis, the US had Russia surrounded by nuclear missiles and planes from Turkey to Germany. Nothing is ever mentioned about this.
Love your channel. You are going to get big. You and The History Guy, for the win!
Just (yet) another amazing story I've never heard about. Incredible.
I've taken off from that very same runway many times,Galena as well. Thanks for the story & video!
Charles Maultsby was also a member of the USAF Thunderbird flight demonstration team.
george martin Maybe a later photo. And, yes, I noticed too.
A Most Enjoyable Episode Indeed!
Powers landed near the Ural village.The peasants thought he was a Soviet cosmonaut.They began to talk to him.He was very frightened.It was a beautiful performance!
I see a new clip from Mark. I press like. Then watch.
Mark, I am addicted to your videos and started wondering about the subject of your next videos. Well done man !
Absolutely fascinating Mark, keep up the good work!
Mark Felton has a seemingly endless collection of amazing incidents that I have never head of.
This flight remained top secret for many decades
I can see why. US incompetence almost ended life as we know it. The pilot made a mistake but had the skill to correct it. The incompetence was continuing to violate Soviet airspace during such a tense period.
Based on some accounts I've read Kennedy's own General Staff were trying to start WWIII. It wouldn't surprise me to find out they were continuing these flights to do just that.
@@danmorgan3685 One of the many many reasons they assassinated him!
@@danmorgan3685 As we've seen with recent current events, everyone in government has their own agenda right down to 9 to 5 bureaucrats.
Still happening. Oh what a shocker, the gov starts a resource war.
Great documentary. Amazing that the pilot was able to make it back, as the U-2 had a fairly narrow flight regime at high altitudes. Deviation from this could result in stalls or flame-outs. So, the pilot had to multi-task between navigating and also watching his fuel levels, speed, angle of attack. Not to mention keeping an eye on Soviet fighters trying to shoot him down!
I love your videos!
Bravo! Another excellent lesson by Mr. Felton.!
I wonder how we averted nuclear war in 1962 with all the screw ups, but I would have never known because I was 4 months old in October.
Thanks for the history lesson.
Easy answer: despite all the rhetoric, both sides loved their children and neither wanted a war.
So was I....(four months old)
I was born towards the end of the Crises about 4 months after you. Mom said she thought I'd never get the chance. It was cool hearing their stories of the Crises. My dad was in the Navy in Key West. They closed the only road in, US1, to civilian traffic unless you got a special pass from the Navy. They stretched barbed-wire and machine-gun emplacements along the beach and brought in portable anti-aircraft missiles that were placed all around the island on tripods. To this day the towers that housed the missile radar controlling apparatus are still here, rusting away in the Florida sun. IIRC they were Hawk missiles. Most streets running E/W and N/S end at the ocean. At the terminus of many streets sat an army tank as a _"Welcome to Key West."_
One of the more disturbing stories in many ways, if those F-102's had engaged the MiG's who knows what the scale of repercussions could've been.
Flying a U2 mission is far more difficult than most people realize.
As you go higher the air gets thinner, this increases your Stall Speed. At the U2's maximum altitude the planes maximum speed and stall speed are less than 50 mph apart, to suddenly turn the aircraft (avoid a missile) and you have lost control.
I've heard a former U2 pilot describe them as "just strong enough to stay together". While a slight exaggeration, taking evasive actions like a traditional fighter were not possible.
John Parrish 50 knots?! Pfft. Coffin corner (or Q Corner) is often flown to within 10 knots of each other and sometimes even as low as 5 knots.
I believe the term is called the coffin evelope?? correct me if I'm wrong.
At 0:02 I thought for a moment that someone is pushing the U2 so it can take off. lol
I think he is trying to keep the aircraft steady so that the wings dont hit the runway
wing walker, preventing the wing from dragging on the ground until the aircraft has a bit of airflow keeping it up.
Later models had small wheels on the wingtips.
Wonder how tense it was in that cockpit for the pilot during those hours when the MiGs were shadowing him?
So this is the U2 which got lost over Siberia and mentioned in the movie 13 days. Interesting.
Thank You Mr. Felton
what you failed to mention, was the reason USSR set up missiles in cuba was JFK set up missiles in turkey. he blinked first.
Yep, they dont teach this in school that the US agreed to remove the Turkish missiles to settle the "crisis" that the US started. Jumping ahead to the future, with NATO encircling Russia, I think we might see another "missile crisis". Whats good for the goose is good for the gander lol
The topic of the video is a single U-2 mission; missiles in Turkey are a bit beyond the scope of that topic.
Well the video wasn’t about the Cuban middle crisis lol
Every time I watch one of your videos I find 3 more to watch in the recommended videos!
Years ago my neighbor told me that the airforce had a pair of 1968 SS el caminos that they would drive down the runway when a U2 was landing with a guy in the back of each one to catch the wing tips because the U2 dumped its wheels after takeoff
Excellent as always.
Thanks, the things that went on in the past, so much to learn.
What an amazing story!! Thanks SO much for posting!!
You’ve done it again Felton Ol’ boy!
Thumbs up for beginning music alone. I really like how you are very informed on small details and a well crafted video's. William Horsley. AIR FORCE BRAT. !!!
William Horsley who the fuck cares if you’re an Air Force brat 😂 that’s not something you should refer to yourself as at your age
Wow. Great tale. Thanks
Your videos are so much better without the dramatic music. Id forget you used to put it in until the end with the titling music. Great video, very informative
I knew about the Powers incident but never heard of this one . I always , well almost always , learn something from this channel .
Yet another gold nugget of history from Dr. Mark.
Wow...I knew nothing of this. Thank you for this video.
Former New York Times reporter Micheal Dobbs provided an excellent account of this other U-2 incident in his 2008 book about the Cuban Missile Crisis, One Minute to Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War.
Excellent video as always Dr Felton. I already knew some of the U2 programme but always good to hear some of the more exciting tales.
I was reading about the British T Class submarine HMS Trident the other day and how it served for a while in 1941 with a young female reindeer named Pollyanna on board and thought it would be great story for your fine channel.
Great upload hello from Australia
Good video bro! I don't comment much but you are one of the rare UA-camrs that I have notifications on for. Keep up the good work and have a great weekend!
Much love from Australia. 🙏🏼🇦🇺
I'd never heard of this one - thanks for the video. it seems crazy that the USA was going to shoot down Migs over Soviet territory.
Simon//// THE FIGHTERS WERE SENT TO PROTECT THE U-2,NO DIFFERENT THAN A BOMBER ESCORT OVER ENEMY AIR SPACE DURING A BOMBING MISSION!!!!!
... even crazier to think they could've potentially used AIM-26 nuclear-tipped, Air-to-Air Missiles to do it!
@@ezrabrooks12 Except it wasn't "enemy airspace" in that sense. The 2 countries were at peace. A tense, uneasy peace, but not at war. A huge difference between a spy plane mission and a bomber mission.
Super job. Was unaware of this close one
Thank you, Dr.Felton.
Thank you sir
Nuclear air to air missiles?! That's a new one on me. Can you do episode on US military efforts to build a nuclear powered aircraft and the related Idaho incident that resulted in two deaths at a reactor. My father was there when it happened as a Navy chief circa late '50s.
Same warhead as the Davy Crocket. They had guided AIM-26 falcons and unguided AIR-2 Genies as well as a lot of the SAMs also having nuclear warheads.
Excellent, as always~
Fantastic,thanks again!
Another fascinating article, thanks Mark👍
Excellent video.
Didnt know this story, great video bro. Nice one keep on going!!!
The U-2 never ceased to amaze and surprise, from the drop of “pogo stick” outrigger undercarriage to its service calling and that pilots, so I understand, get the astronaut patch, fantastic spy plane. Thanks for sharing this interesting and informative film. 👍
During operations, the U2 was painted in black with red serials. Eleven hour flights were exceptional and became known to the general public in the 1970s as U2s conducted non-military flights (e.g. California to Guatamala city a 5000 Km trip to survey earthquake damage).
Thank you Mark very cool!
Can someone explain to me WHY THIS CHANNEL IS SO UNDERATED???
The Falcon AAM was not nuclear tipped,that was the Genie.
Very interesting about the "other" U2 incident. Was only a very young child when this incident happened so don't remember it.
Thanks for the video. Looking forward to your next one !
The horror of the thought at being lost over the north pole, what a cool, calm and collected pilot
What guts that guy had!
A fantastically cool pilot it has to be said - incredible presence of mind.
I would like to se you do a vid On Charles De Gaulles invasion of The Vichy French Islands off the Canadian coast
Thanks Mark, that was a close one🤠👍