The US Air Force is preparing to decommission the famous U-2 Dragon Lady. However, these aircraft are still active and are used for various tasks.
U-2 Dragon Lady’s bottom line is not standing still. The US Air Force uses them to test innovative technologies that could be used in current and future aircraft models. The U-2 fleet is scheduled to be decommissioned in fiscal year 2026.
The first Dragon Lady took off almost 80 years ago. Currently, the US Air Force fleet consists of aircraft manufactured in the 1980s. The last aircraft was received in 1989. The average age of these aircraft is about 40 years.
The U-2 Dragon Lady is a unique aircraft in the US Air Force. It is the only aircraft capable of performing reconnaissance, surveillance and detection missions at altitudes of more than 21 km.
The US Air Force has applied for funding to support its fleet of strategic aircraft. From the beginning of the fiscal year 2024, the service plans to receive $16.8 million for research and development, $54.7 million for the purchase of new equipment, and $17 million for maintenance.
The US Air Force plans to use the U-2 in “unique and innovative ways” by 2026. The aircraft allows accelerating the technical improvement of components that will be used in the F-22, F-35 and sixth-generation combat aircraft.
