Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works Has Proposed Their Replacement For The U-2 Spy Plane

Lockheed's notional "TR-X" concept. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works

Flight Global: Lockheed Skunk Works' next-generation U-2 morphs into 'TR-X'

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ proposal for a next-generation, optionally-manned U-2 surveillance aircraft has morphed into more of a tactical reconnaissance aircraft dubbed “TR-X”.

The designation is both a throwback to the U-2’s TR-1 designation in the 1980s but also symbolises a change in thinking that could drive the design to be more of an affordable peace and wartime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) workhorse than a strategic, penetrating platform – like the supersonic Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.

The company released a notional artist’s impression of the high-flying TR-X aircraft at an Air Force Association conference in Washington 14 September, despite being a long way off deciding the aircraft’s mission and performance specifications.

More News On Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works Proposal For A Replacement Of The U-2 Spy Plane

Lockheed Unveils ‘TR-X’ As Next-Generation U-2 -- Defense News
This could be the US Air Force’s next spy plane -- Verge
AFA 2015: Lockheed Martin pitches TR-X to replace U-2 -- IHS Jane's 360
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works TR-X High-Altitude Low-Observable/Stealth Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft Concept -- Defense Review
Eye in the Sky: Lockheed Reveals Next Generation U-2 Spy Plane 'TR-X' -- Sputnik
Lockheed offers TR-X Stealth Spyplane to replace the still in service 70 year old U2 Spyplane -- Next Big Future