Lockheed Martin's elite 'Skunk Works' is currently studying a stealthy successor to its revolutionary U-2 Dragon Lady surveilla...
Lockheed Martin's elite 'Skunk Works' is currently studying a stealthy successor to its revolutionary U-2 Dragon Lady surveillance aircraft.
Even though its too early to decide the aircraft performance and specifications, Lockheed released an artistic concept of the tactical surveillance aircraft dubbed "TR-X" at Air Force Associations's conference on Monday.
Lockheed reveals the TR-X would be a optionally manned design, incorporating best features of U-2, such as high-altitude flight, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), alternative payloads, rapid deployment capability, and an open missions systems architecture.
Like the U-2, the low-observable single engined aircraft will be optimized for 70,000+ ft altitude- the sweet spot for an ISR platform, powered by the same GE F118 turbofan engine.
The TR-X will feature increased power supply to feed new sensors, electronic warfare suites, and advanced communication systems that will enable to connect with fourth and fifth generation fighter jets.
Current U.S. high altitude long endurance surveillance needs are met by a fleet of 17 manned U-2 and 21 unmanned Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft.
Even though the U-2 fleet is slated for retirement in 2019, as USAF says it cannot afford two high-altitude ISR platforms, it has not committed to the TR-X proposal.
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| U-2S |
Designed by Skunk Works founder Clarence"Kelly" Johnson in 1955, the first U-2 design borrowed its sleek looks from the traditional sail plane.
With a cruise speed of 475 miles per hour, the tapered wing spanning 103 ft, allows U-2 to carry 5000 lb equipment to unprecedented high altitudes which is exactly still classified.
