Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, has completed the first flight of the U-2 Dragon Lady’s ATR program, significantly representing a modernization effort for the U-2 aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, has successfully completed the first flight of the U-2 Dragon Lady’s Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) program. This significant milestone represents a modernization effort for the U-2 aircraft, incorporating advanced avionics and technology to enhance its capabilities.
The ATR program’s success represents a critical step in the U-2’s modernization efforts, aiming to become the first fully OMS-compliant fleet. Further testing will ensure a mature software baseline before the introduction of mission systems, guaranteeing functionality and interoperability to meet operational requirements.“The successful first flight of the U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh is a significant moment in our journey to rapidly and affordably field new capabilities,” said Sean Thatcher, U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh program manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works.“Leveraging the platform’s open architecture, we’re expediting these capabilities needed for the future Joint All-Domain Operations battlespace,” he further added.
Here are the key highlights of this achievement:
Advanced Avionics Suite: The ATR program includes an updated avionics suite encompassing communications, navigation, displays, and more. This modernization enables the U-2 to seamlessly integrate and utilize new technology.
Open Mission Systems (OMS): A new mission computer has been designed to adhere to the U.S. Air Force’s open mission systems (OMS) standard. This allows the U-2 to integrate with systems across various domains, including air, space, sea, land, and cyber, even at different security levels.
Modern Cockpit Displays: The program introduces modern cockpit displays that not only simplify pilot tasks but also enhance the presentation of collected data. These improvements enable faster and more informed decision-making.
Functional Check Flight: During this mission, the U-2 aircraft conducted a low-altitude functional check flight. This flight allowed the integration of new avionics, cabling, and software to be tested successfully.
Read More Stories…Lufthansa Technik Malta strengthens European presence completing 20 years of services
The U.S. Air Force awarded the U-2 ATR contract in 2020, with a total value of $50 million. This program underscores Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ commitment to advancing aviation technology and ensuring that the U.S. Air Force remains equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities for future battlespaces.
