The TU-2S Dragon Girl 1078 two-seat coach reclaimed the skies after a hiatus of 1,030 days, following an arduous journey of restore and upkeep.
The ninth Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs stated in a launch that on February 15, its silver body glimmered towards the azure backdrop because it soared by the heavens, marking a triumphant return to flight.
The saga of Plane 1078 started on April 21, 2021, when a flightline mishap rendered its wing broken and grounded, stranded at Beale Air Pressure Base. Regardless of this setback, a collaborative effort between the ninth Upkeep Group and Lockheed Martin breathed new life into the plane, defying the chances of restoration.
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Historically, such intensive upkeep for U-2 plane is performed at U.S. Air Pressure Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. Nevertheless, on account of its immobilization at Beale, a choice was made to undertake the wing restore and full Program Depot-level Upkeep (PDM) domestically, a activity often reserved for Plant 42.
Below the supervision of Maj. Brandon, a staff of Lockheed Martin technicians and Air Pressure Life Cycle Administration Middle (AFLCMC) Detachment 4 personnel meticulously executed the PDM restoration, guaranteeing Plane 1078’s readiness for flight as soon as once more.
The method of PDM entails complete disassembly, element alternative, and meticulous reassembly, culminating in a sequence of rigorous checks to certify airworthiness.
Following a battery of useful test flights, together with high-altitude strain go well with checks exceeding 70,000 ft, Lt. Col. Joshua, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron scholar flight commander, piloted the plane for its maiden solo flight to Plant 42 for the ultimate contact — a recent coat of the long-lasting black paint.
The restoration of Plane 1078 not solely signifies a technical triumph but in addition restores an important asset to the first Reconnaissance Squadron’s fleet, enhancing plane availability for the following era of U-2 pilots.