Lockheed Martin Integrates Communications, Targeting Payloads Into U-2 Reconnaissance Aircraft

Lockheed Martin has integrated and flight tested seven Open Mission Systems (OMS) payloads in a span of less than three months into a U-2 Dragon Lady high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft.

The company announced Wednesday that it marks its sixth demonstration flight in support of the US Air Force's OMS vision.

"This demonstration focused on communications relay capabilities and dynamic weapon retargeting within an OMS integration methodology," said John Clark, director of Lockheed Martin's Advanced Development Programs (the Skunk Works).

 Multiple radios and associated waveforms were integrated with the U-2, which served as a communications gateway between an F-22, F-18s and a Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) surrogate platform.

 Furthermore, fifth and fourth generation fighter data and U-2 onboard Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare systems data were relayed to both a Rover ground terminal and the Common Mission Control Center, allowing the LRASM surrogate to be dynamically retargeted in midflight.

Additionally, the US Air Force's 76th Software Maintenance Group developed and flight tested a software application designed to operate in the Skunk Works mission management software suite.

This flight test is part of a series of tests that demonstrate the power of the Lockheed Martin Open Architecture approach combined with the Air Force OMS standards.