Skunk Works Studies Stealthy U-2 Replacement

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is studying a potential all-new stealthy spy plane to replace the U-2 that will combine the best features of the iconic piloted surveillance aircraft with those of the unmanned Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk. Despite constant upgrades and a remaining airframe life to around 2050, the U-2 is slated to be retired by the U.S. Air Force in 2019 and its role will officially be taken over by the RQ-4B. However, Lockheed says the RQ-4B is not designed to penetrate...