Which atmospheric layer typically features aircraft such as the U-2?

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The stratosphere is the atmospheric layer that typically features aircraft like the U-2. The U-2 is designed for high-altitude reconnaissance and operates primarily at altitudes between 15,000 and 24,000 meters (approximately 50,000 to 75,000 feet), which places it firmly within the stratospheric layer, extending from about 10 kilometers to about 50 kilometers above sea level. This layer is characterized by a temperature increase with altitude, providing a relatively stable environment ideal for high-altitude flight.

In the stratosphere, the air is less turbulent than in the troposphere below, which allows the U-2 to conduct its missions with greater stability and clarity. Additionally, the stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs significant amounts of ultraviolet radiation, making it safer for high-altitude operations. The other atmospheric layers—troposphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere—are less suitable for the specific design and function of the U-2 due to factors like increased turbulence, lower temperatures, and varying pressures at those altitudes.

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