A Majestic Mix - The Chase Cars of the U-2 Program
By Frank B · June 12, 2026 · Don't Trust the Man
I knew it was only a matter of time before I found a way to weave spy planes into this automotive-themed column (stick around, I promise there will be cars). The perfect excuse appeared in my feed shortly after I finished The Italian Bugatti Startup. While browsing Reddit at work (something I trust you've done before), I spotted it: a grainy photo of a modern BMW M coupe sitting off the right wing of a Lockheed U-2. The U-2 is a single-engine, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed in the early '50s by Lockheed's Skunk Works division. It was designed with an obsessive focus on being lightweight (Singer DLS, anyone?) to fly above 70,000 feet, where it was believed to be beyond the reach of enemy defenses. Let's set aside the spy plane for now and focus on the real star of the show: the BMW M2. The G87 BMW M2 is a twin-turbo straight-six, rear-wheel drive sports coupe from BMW's M Division. Making around 470hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, the M2 does 0-60 mph in 4 seconds. So what's this fine example of German engineering doing on a runway with a fine example of American engineering? The M2 is fulfilling a crucial role for the U-2 that helps ensure the safety of pilots and aircraft: the Chase Car. The U-2 was designed for optimal performance at high altitudes. Because of this focus on high altitude flight, it proves particularly unwieldy closer to the ground. Early versions relied on a wheeled cart instead of traditional landing gear to meet strict USAF weight restrictions. This unique design feature, combined with its high-altitude specialization, meant support vehicles were essential to assist pilots during takeoffs and landings. But this raised an intriguing question: what kind of car in the 1950s could keep pace with a jet going full-throttle down a dry lakebed in the Nevada desert? Picture this: you're working on a black budget project and need to procure some cars to keep up with your new jet, what are you picking? Mercedes 300 SL? Too expens…