Avionics in U-2 aircraft to get refresh under USAF, Lockheed Martin contract
NewsApril 16, 2020
PALMDALE, Calif. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has obtained at contract award valued at $50 million from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to evolve the U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft to support future battlespace needs.
According to information from Lockheed Martin, the contract will include an an updated avionics suite that modernizes the U-2’s onboard systems to readily accept and use new technology; a new mission computer designed to the USAF's open mission systems (OMS) standard that enables the U-2 to integrate with systems across air, space, sea, land, and cyber domains at differing security levels; and modernized cockpit displays designed to lessen pilot workload while enhancing data presentation.
Under the terms of the contract, Lockheed Martin will lead the design, integration, and test of the new advanced aircraft components, which will enable the U-2 to be the first fully OMS-compliant fleet. Initial fielding is expected to start in mid-2021, with full fleet modification expected in early 2022.
