Skunk Works

ONLY TWO MORE YEARS FOR THE DRAGON LADY?

Chris Pocock , , , , , ,

In its Fiscal Year 2024 budget request earlier this year, the US Air Force indicated a U-2 retirement date in FY 2026. However, HQ USAF said last week that the plan is to end operations in the very first month of FY2026, eg October 2025. In a written response to my questions about the planned … Continue reading ONLY TWO MORE YEARS FOR THE DRAGON LADY?

SUNSET IN 2026 FOR THE U-2?

Chris Pocock , , , , , , , , ,

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?

CLOUDS, CODES AND AI ON “THE PERFECT PLATFORM”

Chris Pocock , , , , , , , ,

“The U-2 is the perfect platform to drive cutting-edge military technology” said the 9th Wing commander Col Heather Fox. She was referring to recent pioneering U-2 flights that have explored how cloud computing can install innovative software into aircraft that are already airborne, enabling sensors and navigation systems to react quickly to fast-changing threats. The … Continue reading CLOUDS, CODES AND AI ON “THE PERFECT PLATFORM”