Great News For U-2 Fans

[UKdragon]

The 99th ERS are committing both of their jets to RIAT this year. The 'slick' bird eg without the sensor fit, will be in static all weekend near show centre. The mission bird with ASARS nose, SIGINT pods and the satcom pod will be in the flying display on Saturday and Sunday.

This could be the last chance for show-goers to see the Dragon Lady. If the USAF gets its way, the retirement process will start on 1st October. However, there is again push-back from Congress and the combatant commands, such as EUCOM. So my guess is that the black lady of espionage will still be blasting out of Fairford and heading east for some time yet.

More detail on the latest situation can be found on my website:
https://dragonladytoday.com/2025/06/11/ ... agon-lady/

Incidentally, this year marks the 70th Anniversary of the first flight of the U-2. Hail Dragons!

[Nighthawke]

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