A U-2ST trainer lands at Beale AFB, the home of the U-2 fleet (USAF) The US Air Force leadership is now set on retiring the Dragon Lady in Fiscal Year 2026. Oh, we’ve heard this all before, say the U-2 ‘brotherhood’. I don’t share their complacency. Let’s examine the issues in detail. Here’s what … Continue reading SUNSET IN 2026 FOR THE U-2?
Fairford
“INVISIBLE” U-2 PLAYS ITS PART IN UKRAINE SURVEILLANCE
Many surveillance aircraft have flown near or over Ukraine in recent weeks. You may have seen the maps of their tracks which have appeared on social media, thanks to Flight Radar 24, ADS-B Exchange, and other flight tracking websites. They have included US Air Force E-8 JSTARS, RC-135 Rivet Joints, and RQ-4 Global Hawks; US … Continue reading “INVISIBLE” U-2 PLAYS ITS PART IN UKRAINE SURVEILLANCE
ARCTIC DRAGONS MAKE FAIRFORD THEIR HOME
It is now one year since the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron (ERS) began to move from Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE to RAF Fairford in the UK. Since last November, the squadron has been busy flying operational missions in an eastward direction. The usual sensor fit is the ASARS imaging radar plus the ASIP … Continue reading ARCTIC DRAGONS MAKE FAIRFORD THEIR HOME
Dragon Lady Today 