The iconic U-2 Dragon Lady strategic aircraft made its maiden flight with upgraded avionics

The US Air Force intends to decommission the U-2 Dragon Lady strategic aircraft in the coming years. However, this does not prevent Lockheed Martin from updating the iconic air platform.

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The high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft was upgraded as part of the Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) programme. A key goal of the project was to update the U-2 Dragon Lady's avionics. In a press release, Lockheed Martin said the integration of new communications, navigation and display systems.

According to Lockheed Martin, the U-2 Dragon Lady will integrate more effectively with maritime, space, air, ground and cyber systems. This is achieved through the use of a new on-board computer.

The company said that the first flight with the updated avionics is an important milestone in the modernisation programme. The U-2 Dragon Lady will soon become the first aircraft to be fully compliant with open mission systems.

The first flight of the U-2 Dragon Lady took place approximately 80 years ago. The ATR modernisation programme cost $50 million. The contract was signed in 2020. The US Air Force intends to retire the iconic strategic aircraft in 2026.

Source: Lockheed Martin