Dragon U-2

The Dragon U-2 program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0305202F, is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the United States Air Force. Its primary objective is to sustain and enhance the operational capabilities of the U-2S Dragon Lady aircraft, a high-altitude, high-demand/low-density platform that provides modular sensor and data link systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The program supports a range of core missions, including Sensitive Reconnaissance Operations, Combatant Command operational plans, Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response, countering violent extremist organizations, and treaty verification/monitoring via the OLIVE HARVEST mission. These efforts align with the National Defense Strategy and broader joint and combined force requirements.

Funding for Dragon U-2 is provided for FY 2024, with no additional funding planned for FY 2025 and beyond under this specific program element. The FY 2025 budget year marks the final year of operational capability funding for the U-2 platform, with future RDT&E resources being shifted to the Airborne Reconnaissance Systems PE to support continued sensor and system development. This transition ensures that advanced capabilities, such as the ASARS-2C synthetic aperture radar, are tested, evaluated, and fielded to address emerging threats and operational needs.

The Sensor Development line item within PE 0305202F focuses on the research and development of advanced sensor technologies for the U-2 platform. Key objectives include the enhancement and integration of the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System (ASARS), modernization of data links, and technical refresh of avionics systems. Contractors such as Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and L3 Communications are engaged in design, mode development, integration, demonstration, and flight test support activities. These efforts aim to improve sensor range, data processing, and communications capabilities, ensuring the U-2 remains relevant for ISR missions.

Specific projects under Sensor Development include the ASARS Phase 1 Enhancements (design and mode development), ASARS Phase 2 Integration & Demonstration, Data Links Modernization, and Avionics Technical Refresh. The ASARS-2C initiative is particularly significant, as it provides advanced radar processing to enable improved collection against emerging threats. Data link modernization efforts focus on integrating tactical data links such as L-16, IBS, IFDL, and MADL, which are critical for secure and resilient communications in contested environments.

The program also supports experimental RDT&E efforts related to Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS). The U-2 serves as a surrogate platform for risk reduction activities supporting the Secretary of the Air Force's Operational Imperative-2, as well as surrogate testing for Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) technologies and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations development. These initiatives are designed to ensure the U-2 can integrate with future command and control architectures and contribute to multi-domain operations.

Additional test and evaluation activities include the CI-6 architecture evaluation for SIGINT capabilities, Wicked Crow meshed network testing for Air Combat Command, and IMAD automatic target recognition software development in collaboration with the Air Force Research Laboratory. These projects are intended to advance sensor fusion, automated target identification, and resilient networked communications, further enhancing the U-2's ISR effectiveness.