USFK deploys advanced spy plane amid tension over N.K. missile

An advanced U.S. reconnaissance plane has been deployed here as concerns mount over North Korea's suspected missile activities, according to a U.S. Air Force broadcaster Monday.

An improved U-2 plane offering greater pilot awareness and improved safety arrived here on June 14 as part of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) reconnaissance modernization program, AFPN reported on its Web site.

"The Block 20 aircraft is a new, modern cockpit with a computer on board that analyzes and displays a lot more information on three, 6-by-8-inch multifunction displays and two smaller displays," Lt. Col. Lars Hoffman, 5th Reconnaissance Squadron commander, was quoted as saying.

But a U.S. spokesman denied the deployment had anything to do with the recent developments of North Korea's nuclear weapons or missile promotion plans. "The USFK made this plan a long time ago.

It is unrelated to North Korea's move to test-fire a Taepodong missile," he said, asking to remain anonymous.

North Korea is suspected of preparing to test-fire a long-range ballistic missile, which U.S. and Japanese officials say can reach as far as parts of the U.S. mainland.

The USFK plans to replace its three Block 10 U-2 planes with as many advanced ones. They are to monitor the movements of North Korean troops and military facilities 60-70 kilometers north of the inter-Korean border at an altitude of up to 20 kilometers.

The Block 20 U-2, nicknamed Dragon Lady, provides critical intelligence to decision makers through all phases of conflict, including peacetime indications and warnings, crises, operations other than war and major theater war. The aircraft are also used for electronic sensor research and development, satellite calibration and satellite data validation.

The U-2 was specifically designed to carry reconnaissance payloads to extremely high altitudes. The Block 20 U-2 can carry thousands of pounds of reconnaissance sensors to more than 70,000 feet, and remain aloft for more than 10 hours. Seoul, June 26 (Yonhap News)