U2 Pilots & Preparation:

These are photographs taken by George Smoot of the U2 pilots in preparation for the flights in Peru.

BBC 794 4331 Pilot sitting in back of wagon You can see the "space suit" and the portable oxygen containers. The pilots used the oxygen preflight for two reasons: (1) to pre-breathe in order to prepare them for altitude to which they ascended very rapidly, and (2) cooling, which was especially needed in the heat of Lima.

BBC 794 4345 U2 Pilot being assisted in to parachute pack and other flight equipment. You can see the oxygen tube coming to the chest of the space suit.

BBC 794 4357 U2 pilot climbing rickety ladder to get into the cockpit.

BBC 794 4329 U2 pilot climbing to top rickety ladder to get into the cockpit. Two people assisting including one holding the portable oxygen tank providing a good view of it.

BBC 794 4333 U2 pilot in cockpit I (George Smoot) moved in close to try and get a good picture as the pilot completed check out. You can see the Anisotropy instruments in stored position and the tail of another aircraft.

Click here for more photographs and information about the U2 DMR instruments.