80-1079 Lockheed U-2S
Seen from a distance across the airfield during RIAT 2023, this U-2 would fly a mission from Fairford the next day.
The dorsal radome fitted here is a satellite communications system known as either Senior Span or Senior Spur, depending on how the aircraft is configured. Senior Span enables the conveyance of signals intelligence collection data beyond line of sight and around the globe. Senior Spur is used for transmitting other forms of data, including image intelligence and electronic intelligence gathered by the U-2's sensors.
80-1079 Lockheed U-2S
Seen from a distance across the airfield during RIAT 2023, this U-2 would fly a mission from Fairford the next day.
The dorsal radome fitted here is a satellite communications system known as either Senior Span or Senior Spur, depending on how the aircraft is configured. Senior Span enables the conveyance of signals intelligence collection data beyond line of sight and around the globe. Senior Spur is used for transmitting other forms of data, including image intelligence and electronic intelligence gathered by the U-2's sensors.