Yes you read that headline correctly. Elon Musk Must be Pretty Proud

If you needed another reason to jump on the Tesla train, or to just show off to your friends that Teslas are more than just a sexy car that can drive itself, then we've got you.

They Launch Spy planes!

The Air Force spy planes, Lockeed's U-2S, have a ridiculously poor field of vision and they require a chase car to help launch and land. (video at the bottom)

The Lockheed U-2S was designed in the 1950s and it has always been a notoriously difficult plane to operate. Mythbusters even suggested that it could be "the most difficult plane to fly"

They require an entire ground team to help get it in the air and put it back on the ground.

According to sources, the Royal Air Force is looking at using the electric Tesla Model S to help launch their spy planes.

In 2010, Jalopnik reported that the US Air Force was using a Camaro Z/28 - quote:

“The process is pretty simple: The Air Force buys fast and relatively inexpensive Detroit muscle and puts a highly trained pilot in the driver’s seat. Those pilots then act as ground-based wingmen for the U-2s in the air, talking them through runway operations.” (1)

It jut so happens that electric cars are perfect for taking over this role.

To launch the spy planes, the car needs quick acceleration and it has to go fast for a short burst.

The Tesla Model S can reach 155 mph and the U-2S only requires a top speed of 140. So it works out well. Plus, it doesn't hurt to have a car that has incredible acceleration.

Luckily for us, Elliot Langran saw one of these Tesla chaser cars in action and caught in camera. (we skipped ahead to the actual launch for you)

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What do you think? Pretty awesome or a waste of government funds? Let us know in the comments!

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Source 1: bit.ly/2tLed7P