The Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft entered service with the United States in the second half of the fifties, but still remains in service. Such longevity in the service is ensured by timely repairs and upgrades. Recently, regular measures to improve old aircraft have been completed. The US Air Force and Lockheed Martin have equipped them with the modern SYERS-2C reconnaissance complex.
Latest news
On February 18, the press service of the Lockheed-Martin company announced the completion of work on one of the most recent projects. The company, in cooperation with the Air Force and Collins Aerospace (part of United Technologies Copr.), Completed development work on the modernization of U-2 aircraft, and also carried out all the necessary tests. In addition, to date, the modernization of optoelectronic systems to the SYERS-2C state has been completed on the entire fleet of reconnaissance aircraft.
The project participants highly appreciate the results of the work done. For example, Kevin Raftery, Vice President of Collins, recalled that U-2s are the cornerstone of US Air Force aerial reconnaissance, and also noted that with the SYERS-2C complex, this aircraft will be able to provide more valuable information for many years.
Irene Helly, director of the U-2 program at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, says the SYERS-2C complex gives the aircraft unprecedented data-gathering capabilities for the military. Due to this, the reconnaissance operation will increase its potential in modern warfare.
Old planes
As follows from open data, work on the next project for the modernization of U-2 aircraft has been carried out since 2014 by the forces of a number of organizations, namely the developer of the aircraft itself and the creator of new equipment for it. The project was implemented under the supervision of the relevant Air Force authorities.
A joint project of several organizations provided for the repair and extension of the service life of existing reconnaissance aircraft with the simultaneous installation of new equipment. Due to this, the U-2 will be able to remain in service, at least until the next major overhaul, and at the same time solve their main tasks at a modern level.
Despite their considerable age, U-2 aircraft retain very high performance characteristics necessary for solving their characteristic missions. The aircraft have been repeatedly modernized, incl. with the replacement of engines, which allows them to remain a successful and efficient platform for target equipment. It was for this reason that the modern SYERS-2C complex was decided to be installed on the U-2. However, similar products have been developed for installation on other aircraft and UAVs.
New equipment
The main element of the modernization program is the renewal of the SYERS-2 (Senior Year Electro Optical Reconnaissance System) reconnaissance complex according to the latest project with the letter "C". The updated version of the complex differs from the basic one by the use of new technologies and higher characteristics.
The complex includes several systems for different purposes: a block of optoelectronic equipment, computing equipment and communication facilities for data exchange. All instruments of the complex are assembled into a single unit for installation in the bow of the carrier aircraft. This unit is less than 1.8 m in length and less than 770 mm in diameter. Weight - approx. 250 kg. With the help of various cables and connectors, the SYERS-2C complex is integrated into the electrical and electronic networks of the aircraft.
The basis of the complex is a mobile multispectral optoelectronic station on a gyro-stabilized platform. Optics simultaneously operate in 10 ranges of the spectrum, including the visible and different parts of the infrared. For comparison, the complex of the previous version of SYERS-2A worked only in seven. Simultaneous shooting in different ranges provides effective reconnaissance at any time of the day and in different weather conditions. Comparison of several images allows you to compose a more detailed picture and identify objects that are invisible during reconnaissance in the same range.
Data from the optoelectronic system can be recorded by onboard equipment from the complex or transmitted to other users. First of all, it is envisaged to transfer data to the headquarters or to the detection and control aircraft. Full compatibility with the communication and control systems of the latest 5th generation fighters is ensured. All this simplifies the practical use of the intelligence results.
Limited edition
Lockheed Martin reports that all development work has been completed to date and even new systems have been deployed. As follows from open data, the production and installation of reconnaissance systems did not take much time - due to the limited requirements of the Air Force.
According to open data, only two reconnaissance squadrons, equipped with U-2 aircraft, remain in the US Air Force. 27 U-2S vehicles and only 4 training TU-2S vehicles remain in service. To solve real reconnaissance tasks, only U-2S aircraft are used, carrying a full set of target equipment.
The number of such equipment allows us to imagine how many SYERS-2C systems were produced by Collins, and how many modernized aircraft the Air Force received. Apparently, the contractor provided no more than 25-30 SYERS-2C systems for installation on aircraft and for stockpiling. The supply of spare parts was also required.
Disputes about the future
The U-2S aircraft with the upgraded SYERS-2C complex receives the highest marks and it is argued that such an upgrade will have a positive impact on reconnaissance. However, the latest news about the modernization appeared against the background of other messages - not the most optimistic.
Production of the U-2 ended ca. 30 years ago, and the available equipment is not very young. Constant repairs allow you to extend the resource, but do not solve the problem as a whole. Over the past several years, the Pentagon has been discussing the issue of the future abandonment of such equipment due to the impossibility and inexpediency of its further operation.
On February 10, Air Force Magazine reported that the Air Force plans to continue repairing and maintaining its U-2 fleet in FY2021-24. For these purposes, you will have to spend $ 77 million. However, in 2025, such processes will stop. Accordingly, starting from 2025, the scouts will be decommissioned as the resource is depleted.
The next day, the press service of the Air Force said that these data do not correspond to reality. And in 2021-24, and in 2025, the costs of maintaining and modernizing aircraft are expected - they are not going to abandon the U-2 yet. The aircraft support company Lockheed Martin is trying to understand the situation and refrains from commenting.
Several years ahead
Against the backdrop of these events, the Air Force and two defense industry companies completed the modernization of reconnaissance aircraft with the installation of modern equipment. This will not only ensure continued operation, but also increase its efficiency. In such a situation, the decommissioning of aircraft in 2025 does not seem like a smart move - the Air Force will have only a few years to take advantage of the new opportunities.
There appears to be an ongoing debate about the future of U-2 aircraft, and the Pentagon has yet to formulate precise plans of this kind. This means that the scouts are still in the ranks and can use the latest SYERS-2C complex. Thus, despite all the difficulties and problems, the Air Force provided itself with modern reconnaissance equipment for several years ahead - until the fate of the aircraft is decided.
