Lockheed Martin Launches Maiden Flight Featuring Upgraded U-2 Avionics Technology

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force, has successfully conducted the inaugural flight of the U-2 Dragon Lady’s Avionics Technology Refresh (ATR) initiative.

The triumphant first flight evaluated the enhanced capabilities onboard the U-2 as part of the ATR agreement, encompassing:

• A revamped avionics package (communication, navigation, display, etc.) that modernizes the U-2’s onboard systems, enabling seamless integration of cutting-edge technology.
• A newly developed mission computer adhering to the U.S. Air Force’s open mission systems (OMS) specifications that empowers the U-2 to harmonize with systems across air, space, sea, land, and cyber domains at varying security tiers.
• Contemporary cockpit displays designed to streamline pilot tasks, while improving the presentation of the data the aircraft gathers for quicker, more informed decision-making.

During this operation, the aircraft successfully executed a low-altitude functional verification flight to incorporate new avionics, wiring, and software.

“The successful inaugural flight of the U-2 Avionics Technology Refresh is a pivotal milestone in our mission to swiftly and economically deploy new capabilities,” stated Sean Thatcher, U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh program manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “By utilizing the platform’s open architecture, we’re accelerating the implementation of essential capabilities for the future Joint All-Domain Operations battleground.”

The ATR inaugural flight signifies a landmark in the U-2’s modernization journey and its aim to become the first fully OMS-compliant fleet. Additional assessments will confirm a stable software baseline before mission systems are integrated, ensuring both operational functionality and interoperability to satisfy mission requirements.

The U-2 ATR contract was granted by the U.S. Air Force in 2020 and is valued at $50 million.