If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly to the edge of space in Lockheed Martin’s U-2 spy plane, also known as Dragon Lady, then Sam Eckholm has just the video for you. The aircraft you’re about to see has been refreshed with upgraded onboard systems, a new mission computer designed to the U.S. Air Force’s open mission systems standard, and modern cockpit displays.
Power comes from a lightweight, fuel efficient General Electric F118-101 engine that produces 17,000 pound of thrust, which means it does not need air refueling on long duration missions. The U-2 can fly in all weather conditions at altitudes of up to 74,000 feet. What’s next? Lockheed Martin is aiming to revamp the U-2’s sensors and other electronic systems for Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS).
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It’s amazing how the U-2 was originally replaced by the SR-71 in the 1960’s, but even after the SR-71 retired around 1990, the U-2 is still being used today in the 2020’s,” said one commenter.