Este vídeo do canal da CIA no YouTube mostra aeronaves U-2 sendo lançadas por catapulta e capturadas com uma cauda:
A descrição oferece apenas isso:
After stopping U-2 flights over USSR in May 1960, the IC looked for new ways to use this unique reconnaissance asset. One idea was to modify the U-2 to fly from US Navy aircraft carriers.
O que motivou esses experimentos? Eles foram bem sucedidos? O avião já foi usado operacionalmente de uma transportadora? Qual seria o objetivo da missão?
A partir de Wikipedia (enfatize o meu):
At one time, in an effort to extend the U-2's operating range and to eliminate the need for foreign government approval for U-2 operations from USAF bases in foreign countries, it was suggested that the U-2 be operated from aircraft carriers. Three aircraft were converted for carrier operations by the installation of arrester hooks, and carrier-qualified naval aviators were recruited to fly them.
It turned out to be possible to take off and land a U-2 from a carrier. Testing in 1964 with the USS Ranger and in 1969 with the USS America proved the concept. The only operational carrier use occurred in May 1964 when a U-2, operating from USS Ranger, was used to spy on a French atomic test in the Pacific.
In 1969, the larger U-2Rs were flown from the carrier America. The U-2 carrier program is believed to have been halted after 1969.
Ele também fornece os seguintes recursos:
http://www.kristinhillartist.com/FishHawk_article.html
https://theaviationist.com/2015/06/28/u-2-carrier-operations-story/