THESE fantastic photographs of a U-2 'Dragon Lady' spy plane returning to RAF Fairford were taken yesterday, Wednesday, by Luke Turfrey.

Two of the United States Air Force (USAF) aircraft have regularly been spotted above the base in recent weeks.

This one is codenamed Black 02, the other is Black 01.

The Lockheed U-2 is capable of flying above 70,000ft and is famously difficult to fly - hence the nickname Dragon Lady.

U2 spy plane returning to RAF Fairford pictured by Luke Turfrey on Wednesday

U2 spy plane returning to RAF Fairford pictured by Luke Turfrey on Wednesday

U-2s have taken part in conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and are also used for research and communications purposes.

The U-2 is one of a handful of aircraft types to have been in operation for the USAF for more than 50 years, along with the B-52 - another favourite with Fairford spotters.

Luke posted the pictures on the RAF Fairford Spotters Facebook page which you can join here