Wing Commander Martin Bee, who has died aged 84, was one of a small, select group of RAF fighter pilots who flew the top-secret Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft whilst serving on an exchange appointment with the United States Air Force. He was a very experienced Lightning pilot who had served on the RAF’s first squadron, No 74 Tiger Squadron. He tested numerous versions of the U-2 during his five-year appointment and was awarded the AFC.

He returned to the Lightning world, first as a flight commander and then in command of No 56 Squadron based in Cyprus when his squadron stood alert during the Turkish invasion of the the north of the island. He chose to retire early and flew for many years in The Persian Gulf.

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