ANALYSIS: LM new U-2 transformation to triple-spying threat

[spazsinbad]

ANALYSIS: Lockheed proposes new U-2 transformation into triple-spying threat
16 Mar 2018 Stephen Trimble

"...“Tri-INT” configuration – featuring a powerful new radar, hyper-spectral camera and electronic eavesdropping suite – would be coupled with onboard processing algorithms that detect, validate and geolocate a dangerous enemy target, such as an air-defence radar. Finally, the onboard computers would automatically forward the targeting data to nearby fighters and bombers using any of several tactical radios, including the Lockheed F-35’s multi-function advanced data link (MADL), Franklin says....

...Lockheed is proposing to also upgrade the mission computers on board the U-2S, allowing a single-pilot spying platform to also perform as an automated command and control centre flying on the edge of contested airspace, Franklin says.

It is a capability that Lockheed has developed and demonstrated over several years, most recently during Northern Edge 2017: a demonstration event held last June at Eielson AFB, Alaska. For Northern Edge, Lockheed showed off a U-2S equipped with two key new systems – an enhanced Link 16 radio and the so-called “Einstein Box”: the second generation of a Lockheed-designed mission computer based on an open systems architecture.

The demonstration showed how Lockheed could transform the U-2 to function as a relay between ground-based intelligence centres and fighters and bombers, using the new enhanced Link 16 waveform. It also served to showcase the capabilities of the Einstein Box as a real-time, onboard processing system for the U-2’s existing sensor data.

In a press release issued by Lockheed last September, the company said the Northern Edge event proved the Einstein Box “provides a solid foundation” on which to expand the U-2 fleet’s capabilities. With the unveiling of its proposed Tri-INT upgrade package, the full meaning of the company’s demonstration becomes clear."

Source: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/artic ... -i-446649/

[element1loop]

Looks to be a high-altitude manned comms relay for long-range data spanning, with redundant ISR capabilities for low threat operations.

"Operating on the edge of contested airspace", is code for being a siitting duck.

But apparently there's something 'special' about the U2 sensors that just can't be replicated. Sure. There will always be a new nostalgic excuse.

This is obviously a task for a drone.

[FlightDreamz]

"Operating on the edge of contested airspace", is code for being a siitting duck.

But apparently there's something 'special' about the U2 sensors that just can't be replicated. Sure. There will always be a new nostalgic excuse.

This is obviously a task for a drone.

Maybe but the U-2 does have a higher operational ceiling than most U.A.V.'s Wonder what happened to Lockheeds TR-X, converting U-2s into U.A.V.'s see https://www.defensenews.com/digital-sho ... ation-u-2/