The Air Force has awarded Goodrich a contract for a pair of upgraded multi-spectral payloads for U-2 surveillance aircraft to enhance their all-weather imaging capability. Produced by Goodrich, these Senior Year Electro-Optical Reconnaissance Sensors will equip U-2s of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, Calif. They boast improved range, resolution, and coverage over the aircraft’s existing capability. SYERS-2A enhances “U-2 functionality by adding extra multi-spectral imaging capability to the platform, providing significantly more utility in discerning imagery,” stated Goodrich’s release last week.
Air Force senior statesmen explained the reasons they jointly sent a letter to Congress urging restoration of the E-7 Wedgetail and more F-35s to the fiscal 2026 defense budget.