The U-2 is a legendary aircraft that has stood the test of time.

The U-2’s use and testing aboard aircraft carriers is not a secret. The CIA/NRO first evaluated the Dragon Lady aboard USN carriers with the U-2C, which was modified into what is known as the U-2G. The aircraft was used operationally (from the boat) on at least one occasion. 

With the introduction of the U-2R (a much more capable and larger aircraft) in the late 60s, the agency revisited operating the type from aircraft carriers. The R proved to be an easier aircraft to handle for shipboard operations, and further testing of specialized equipment took place under “Project Highboy.” The resultant airframe was known as the EP-X (Electronics Patrol – Experimental). A single U-2R (article 061) was loaned to the Navy for evaluation and fitted with all-new sensors and cameras in the nose/radome and in pods on each wing. A second U-2R (article 052) was also used as a testbed for the new hardware. The aircraft and sensor suite performed well but the program was ultimately cancelled when the CIA discontinued its use of the aircraft under the Idealist Program. 

FOIA documents we reviewed for this project indicate a third attempt was made to find a shipboard home for the Dragon Lady, but there is no official record of this happening. 

Our EP-X TRAPs have been cut from an NRX-11 wing pod housing and is the last remaining pieces of EP-X we have on site. The TRAPs are offered in 2 variants: EP-X and Pilot. The EP-X TRAPs come on a blue card and the Pilot come on an orange card. A few have been printed on holographic PVC. 

A combo is also offered that includes both.