The U-2Rs operated by the 35th Black Cat Squadron, ROCAF, retained their black velvet overall livery, and wore four-digit tail numbers applied in red. In addition to panoramic cameras installed inside the Q-bay, this new variant received a stretched nose with (depending on the mission) either a phased array radar or additional electro-optical cameras (with 16 ports), and two underwing ‘superpods’ with additional mission-related equipment. Contrary to earlier variants of the U-2 operated by the ROCAF, U-2Rs never flew missions over mainland China: due to political constraints, they were limited to peripheral flights along the edge of the PRC’s airspace. Nevertheless, the PLAAF and the PLANAF still launched several intercepts, at least one of which brought one of their MiG-21F-13 close to its target. Inset is shown the famous insignia of the 35th Black Cat Squadron. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)