Status of U-2S 80-1099

[SamP]

To my knowledge the last production U-2, 80-1099, was damaged in a ground fire incident in 2008 and although there were talks of re-building her in the years after I believe it was deemed to not be economically viable at the time. As of 2012 she was moved to Robins AFB for use as a maintenance training frame. (Which Chris Pocock has documented a brief piece on with an image of the remaining fuselage here: https://dragonladytoday.com/2016/03/01/ ... obins-afb/)

However, AE096A, the Mode-S Hex code assigned to 80-1099 is currently showing on ADSB conducting low altitude circuits at Beale AFB.

Now I know this could just be a case of a Mode-S box swap, and that the aircraft actually airborne from Beale is just another from the fleet under the guise of 80-1099, but I don't recall ever seeing the hex code AE096A of 80-1099 being used in the past 5 or so years.

Have I just missed this hex code being used within the fleet, or has the loss of a TU-2S re-kindled new interest in getting 80-1099 back in the air?

I tend to think this is nothing, as if it was the later case I'm sure it would've made news by now, and 6 months is an impressive re-build time!

Can anyone shed any more light on this?

[page_verify]

If the spotters don't know what's happening to 099 then I'd suggest no one outside of the US Gov does

It's very possible that 099's comms kit has been fitted as a spare to another jet and it first flew without any changes? Funding for the remaining aircraft (one and two seaters) is still unclear and changes from year to year, sometimes more often. The retirement date keeps getting pushed back but it could easily get pulled forwards as well. It'd be a nice surprise, but I suspect 099 will never fly again and neither will a fourth two-seater while the whole fleet can't get funding for another 10-20 years, unlike for example the B-52. Right now, the money is being spent on sensor upgrades. Initially it was to create a generation of sensors that could be used on both the Global Hawk and U-2 (for example ASIP), but there's also been U-2 only sensor investment in more recent times (for example OMS).

[big john]

Sam
AE096A was in use by 80-1096 on 01-04-2015. When it visited Fairford.
I am led to believe that changing the hex code used by any mode s box is fairly simple, you just go into programme mode and enter a hex code. The reason some aircraft show a false hex code is that some pilots/operators believe the hex code they were allocated is a direct coding of their registration details and for some reason wish to hide them.

[page_verify]

I didn't know they were reconfigurable. In which case, I wouldn't suggest you believe anything that comes out of an aircraft that might want to blend in with all of the other aircraft around it now and then

[effects]

Sam
AE096A was in use by 80-1096 on 01-04-2015. When it visited Fairford.
I am led to believe that changing the hex code used by any mode s box is fairly simple, you just go into programme mode and enter a hex code. The reason some aircraft show a false hex code is that some pilots/operators believe the hex code they were allocated is a direct coding of their registration details and for some reason wish to hide them.

However I do not think this can be done from the cockpit it is a maintenance function.

[big john]

It is supposed to be a maintenance function, But they are programmable from the cockpit. via the front panel from which the callsign etc. is entered. The manual that comes with the system tells you how to do it. although most manufacturers advise it should only be done by a qualified avionics installer.
I have found out how to do it, so it it is not beyond the wit of anyone else to find out how to do it.

[page_verify]

Further to my earlier comments about funding for the U-2 programme, the US defence budget for FY18 confirms a recent decision to "keep" the U-2 for the foreseeable future and fund a number of significant upgrade projects. Whether there's enough money in the pot to rebuild 1099 or create a second two-seater, to today's quality and safety standards, is another question. There's more information here: https://dragonladytoday.com/2017/05/23/ ... omment-135

[jigsaw]

came across this thread whilst doing some U2 research, as reported elsewhere
''Subsequently decided to rebuild and moved to Lockheed Martin at Palmdale, where rebuild continues (“AirForces Monthly“, July 2020)''

So I'm assuming this is back in service by now?

[T_J]

Pic of 80-1099 undergoing re-build at following link.

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/ ... ntrol-role

[Steven]

That is a four year old link and photograph though so the question still stands

[T_J]

Yes, of course. The decision could have been made to terminate the re-build. Time will tell!

Update on that.

The FY25 Defense Appropriations Act has been approved meaning that the U-2 is currently safe and that no U-2s can be divested.

Preventing the early retirement of three ships and retaining the U-2 and certain F-15s

https://appropriations.house.gov/news/p ... ations-act

SEC. 8163. None of the funds appropriated or other wise made available by this Act may be used to divest or prepare to divest any U-2 aircraft

https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AP/AP02 ... eeMark.pdf

https://appropriations.house.gov/news/p ... tions-bill

https://www.twz.com/air/u-2-retirement- ... nding-bill