U-2 Retirement

[Llarry]

I seem to remember HuggyU2 mentioning this previously and I chalked it up to the perennial buzz about retiring the U-2. Yeah, right...

A few days ago, the 9th RW at Beale AFB retired one of the four TU-2S trainers. I assume because the aircraft is sundowning and the training of new U-2 pilots will cease.

As a retired cryptologic officer (and an aviation enthusiast) I have to believe that this is a really stupid move. I suspect the users of the intelligence product produced by the U-2 program are vociferously opposed to this move. Now as somebody who had not been behind the green door for many years, it may be that there are systems that will adequately replicate the capabilities of the U-2; I am skeptical.

I've got a feeling we've been here before -- many years ago the SR-71 was retired essentially without direct replacement. In that case, the program was extremely expensive with all the tanker support, etc. In the case of the U-2S, I suspect it is a program that offers a lot of bang for the buck. Say it ain't so!

 

[robav8r]

Just finished reading "Skunk Works" over the holidays. A must read for anyone interested in the U-2/SR-71/F-117/F-22 . . .

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

I seem to remember HuggyU2 mentioning this previously and I chalked it up to the perennial buzz about retiring the U-2. Yeah, right...

A few days ago, the 9th RW at Beale AFB retired one of the four TU-2S trainers. I assume because the aircraft is sundowning and the training of new U-2 pilots will cease.

As a retired cryptologic officer (and an aviation enthusiast) I have to believe that this is a really stupid move. I suspect the users of the intelligence product produced by the U-2 program are vociferously opposed to this move. Now as somebody who had not been behind the green door for many years, it may be that there are systems that will adequately replicate the capabilities of the U-2; I am skeptical.

I've got a feeling we've been here before -- many years ago the SR-71 was retired essentially without direct replacement. In that case, the program was extremely expensive with all the tanker support, etc. In the case of the U-2S, I suspect it is a program that offers a lot of bang for the buck. Say it ain't so!

View attachment 39743

U2 Headed For Retirement

Looks like the venerable Dragon Lady is on the chopping block this fiscal year. Sad to see the old girl go. What a cool airplane. https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/u-2-retirement-moves-forward-with-defense-secretary-decision

www.airwarriors.com

 

[Flash]

As a retired cryptologic officer (and an aviation enthusiast) I have to believe that this is a really stupid move. I suspect the users of the intelligence product produced by the U-2 program are vociferously opposed to this move. Now as somebody who had not been behind the green door for many years, it may be that there are systems that will adequately replicate the capabilities of the U-2; I am skeptical.

There are probably less of those than you think. Given the almost certain overwhelming intelligence focus on areas that are not covered by the U-2 their products and unique capabilities are less valuable than they once were.

 

[insanebikerboy]

There are probably less of those than you think. Given the almost certain overwhelming intelligence focus on areas that are not covered by the U-2 their products and unique capabilities are less valuable than they once were.

You would be surprised.

 

[Flash]

You would be surprised.

Maybe not. There is a staggering amount of intel collection out there and the U-2 fills a tiny little niche. For some of its customers it may be a case of hanging on to what they know and not what they necessarily need. Similar to someone requesting an A-10 when what they need is CAS ("But, but...A-10 go Brrrrrrrrttt!"). For the return on the investment, the juice probably just ain't worth the squeeze anymore

So as sad as I am to see the U-2 go away an an aviation enthusiast the rational part of me knows it is the right decision, just like the SR-71 decades ago.

 

[Llarry]

Maybe not. There is a staggering amount of intel collection out there and the U-2 fills a tiny little niche. For some of its customers it may be a case of hanging on to what they know and not what they necessarily need. Similar to someone requesting an A-10 when what they need is CAS ("But, but...A-10 go Brrrrrrrrttt!"). For the return on the investment, the juice probably just ain't worth the squeeze anymore

So as sad as I am to see the U-2 go away an an aviation enthusiast the rational part of me knows it is the right decision, just like the SR-71 decades ago.

This may be quite true. As a sometime producer of intel, I recognize that we may think our output is golden whereas most/many consumers of intel just yawn and say "whatever..."

 

[HuggyU2]

There are probably less of those than you think. Given the almost certain overwhelming intelligence focus on areas that are not covered by the U-2 their products and unique capabilities are less valuable than they once were.

BWAA! HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

(Tell me you're Frank Kendall without telling me you're Frank Kendall).

 

[insanebikerboy]

Maybe not. There is a staggering amount of intel collection out there and the U-2 fills a tiny little niche. For some of its customers it may be a case of hanging on to what they know and not what they necessarily need. Similar to someone requesting an A-10 when what they need is CAS ("But, but...A-10 go Brrrrrrrrttt!"). For the return on the investment, the juice probably just ain't worth the squeeze anymore

So as sad as I am to see the U-2 go away an an aviation enthusiast the rational part of me knows it is the right decision, just like the SR-71 decades ago.

If you are able, go look it up on the various networks. Reality is not like how you describe.

 

[Griz882]

They’d better slow it down…the Russians have revived their “Dragonovich Czarina” (M-55) so we’ll need to keep some of our 1950/60 tech just in case.

Russia is considering putting the M-55 back in service Aviation News: "Your Global Source for Aviation Insights, Military Aircraft, Airshow Highlights, and Space Exploration News."

Russia is likely considering bringing the Soviet-era M-55 MYSTIC B high altitude reconnaissance aircraft back into service. The relevant statement was made by the Ministry of Defence of the United …

aviationnews.eu

The article notes “considering” but the Ukrainians said they recently saw one airborne.

 

[Flash]

They’d better slow it down…the Russians have revived their “Dragonovich Czarina” (M-55) so we’ll need to keep some of our 1950/60 tech just in case.

Russia is considering putting the M-55 back in service Aviation News: "Your Global Source for Aviation Insights, Military Aircraft, Airshow Highlights, and Space Exploration News."

Russia is likely considering bringing the Soviet-era M-55 MYSTIC B high altitude reconnaissance aircraft back into service. The relevant statement was made by the Ministry of Defence of the United …

aviationnews.eu

The article notes “considering” but the Ukrainians said they recently saw one airborne.

Not really sure we should be taking our cues from the Russkies on air tactics.

If you are able, go look it up on the various networks. Reality is not like how you describe.

Can't really argue this out in any real fashion here but from my 'big picture' view, the loss of this capability is quite small. And given today's threat environment, the cost for the unique capability likely ain't worth it.

 

[Griz882]

Not really sure we should be taking our cues from the Russkies on air tactics.

I know, I was just having some fun.

Sorry dad.

 

[ChuckMK23]

We recently brought on a current U-2 dude to my unit - I need to ask him what's up!

 

[ChuckMK23]

A recent pic out of Beal of the TU-2S. Pretty cool bare metal configuration.

No pressure suits!

 

[HuggyU2]

That was the first flight of that jet in 3 years. It was repaired after a landing mishap. The photo is of the first maintenance flight.

We want to keep it silver... but MX pushed back for corrosion reasons. Apparently it will get painted.