The top speed of ~800km/h or ~500mph (at ~22km or 72k ft altitude) seems almost laughable today. And yet it was almost untouchable at the time.
Today it's probably for hire for major events like a big match.
Today it's probably for hire for major events like a big match.
Admittedly, it isn't that useful anymore. Missiles can reach that altitude fairly easily, so it does not provide increased survivability anymore, and spy satellites, though less mobile, are more useful for day-to-day operations. But it is still a fairly unique capability.
I'm sure that wasn't the focus of the design, but I can also imagine that its balsa wood structure provides a lower radar cross section as well. (Edit: I made a mistake: looks like it's made of aluminum, not wood. Probably had another plane in mind)
An interesting anecdote was this interception of a U-2 over France in 1967 by a rocket-assisted Mirage. The pilot photographed the U.2 with a hand-operated civilian camera, leading to a diplomatic incident: https://theaviationgeekclub.com/that-time-a-rocket-booster-e...