Pierre-Henri Baras wrote:


I think there has been a test U-2 takeoff or two.


Yeah, from the Ranger in the late 60s, when the US wanted to keep an eye on
French nuclear tests in the Pacific. The only way was to launch them from
the carrier, have them fly their circuit, and have them land on a friendly
base somewhere.
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Pierre-Henri BARAS

I think if you check, it was more that a test, they flew operational from
several
carriers, and they took off AND landed back on said carriers.
they were fitted with a add-on tailhook, took off without need of the cat
and landed without anything special being done...
U-2 wingtips can fold on the outer tips, and can even fit on the elevators
to be taken to the hanger deck...
carriers used were Kitty hawk, Ranger, & America

one place to check is Jay Miller's book on the U-2 Pages 33-35
ISBN-0-942548-04-3 Softcover edition
ISBN-0-942548-05-1 Hardcover