Dragon Lady’s New Cockpit

Dragon Lady’s New Cockpit: Modernization of the U-2 Dragon Lady is proceeding to keep the high-flying reconnaissance viable until 2011 or later, depending upon whether you ask the Air Force or Congress. One of the Block 20 versions, a U-2S, recently arrived at Osan AB, South Korea, where it joins the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron. The revamped Lady offers greater pilot awareness and safety, sporting a new, modern cockpit that features a computer that analyzes and displays more information on one multi-function display and two smaller displays, according to Lt. Col. Lars Hoffman, the 5th RS commander. The displays can be configured to the pilot’s liking, with information such as altitude and navigation information readily available, as well as electronic checklists, diagnostics, and reconnaissance sensors.