Lockheed Martin makes first flight of updated U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft

26 September, 2023 The U-2 Dragon Lady modernized under the Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) program. Photo credits: Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin has reported on the successful first flight of the updated U-2 Dragon Lady high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.

The company announced this on its X page. The reconnaissance aircraft is upgraded according to the Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) program, which involves a large-scale update of avionics. The updated reconnaissance aircraft received new communication, navigation, and display systems.

The new onboard computer, developed in accordance with the U.S. Air Force`s Open Mission Systems (OMS) standard, will allow U-2 to integrate with air, space, marine, land and cyber space systems at various levels of security. New modern displays in the cockpit facilitate piloting and the analysis of data collected by the aircraft.

Photo from open sources

"The successful first flight U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh is an important moment in our journey to rapidly and readily implement new capabilities," said Sean Thatcher, U-2 Modernization Program Manager. The first flight of the updated aircraft under the ATR program is a significant milestone in the modernization and on the way to becoming the first aircraft to fully meet the requirements of the OMS. Further testing will consolidate mature software before implementing mission systems to ensure the functionality and compatibility needed to meet operational needs.

Photo from open sources

The contract for modernization was awarded by the U.S. Air Force in 2020, and its cost is estimated at £50 million. Previously, the updated aircraft were expected to enter service in mid-2021, with work scheduled to be completed by early 2022.

It is known that 26 U-2S and 4 TU-2S are in service with the U.S.

Air Force.