Here's the insane process the government uses to maintain its spy planes

The U-2 spy plane, also known as the Dragon Lady, has helped the US government keep an eye on enemies for the last six decades.

The plane is unquestionably an engineering marvel. 

Built by Lockheed Martin, the plane is capable of flying for 12 hours at an altitude of 70,000 feet (13 miles above ground), which is about twice the altitude of commercial jets. The stealth plane also carries about carries some of the world's most advanced sensors and communication technologies, allowing for it to pick up intelligence in all weather, day or night. In fact, it can even spot landmines while flying 13 miles above the Earth. 

Born out of the Cold War, the plane was originally projected to have an operational life of just two years. However, the U-2 went on to serve in every following American War and a number of new U-2 planes were built in the 1980s.

To keep the planes in excellent condition, each one is completely stripped apart and completely rebuilt after 4,800 hours of flight time, or about every seven years.

Lockheed Martin has workforce of 325 employees solely dedicated to refurbishing and maintaining the U-2. The employees inspect, repair or replace more than 40,000 rivets and 1,800 individual parts.

And now, thanks to an exclusive video from Lockheed Martin given to Sploid, you can check out one of these planes being completely taken apart.

Check out the video below to see this epic plane be taken apart by hand.

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