No, when we refer to U-2 here, we are not talking about Bono’s band, but rather, the spy plane which ended up being one of the most important intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft during the Cold War era. In fact, it happens to be one of the very rare vintage aircraft that remains in active service with the US Air Force. Perhaps it is time for a change after so many decades, and Lockheed has delivered details about a possible successor, where it has been called the TR-X – sounds like a Terminator, no?
The TR-X is a concept aircraft (no kidding) that happens to be an improved, stealthier version of the 60-year-old design, and we would not have expected anything less. Well, it will take some time before it can actually take to the skies, where it has been predicted that it might take as long as 10 years before it enters active service.
The TR-X is said to be more affordable than the U-2, and it will boast of a smaller radar profile that makes it a whole lot harder to detect on radar, which translates to improved survivability and open missions systems architecture. Not only that, expect it to come with a slew of new sensors, support systems, and possibly laser weapons to live up to its reputation. Best of all is, it can be remotely flown, making it advantageous in missions that are deemed to be too high risk for a pilot. [Press Release]
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