 In the 1950s, President Eisenhower needed accurate information on the Soviet Union s military buildup. Photographs from reconnaissance aircraft seemed the best way to get it, but overflights using converted bombers were too dangerous. The U-2 spy plane was designed to fly high enough to avoid Soviet air defenses and long enough to bring back photos of military installations deep within Soviet territory. This documentary chronicles the design, test flights, and espionage missions of this remarkable airplane, including the ill-fated flight of Francis Gary Powers. Lots of archival footage and interviews with the pilots who flew the aircraft are included.