Chase Kohler
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, recently returned to service after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards AFB, California, and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Due to special circumstances, the decision was made to perform depot level modifications in place at Beale.
However, the aircraft was still required to return to it’s birthplace at OL Plant 42 to receive its iconic black coating. AFLCMC leads the combined government-industry team for both depot operations and new flight test requirements on the U-2 platform. The 412th Test Wing at Edwards provides flight operations oversight and airfield logistics to ensure all ferry and test sorties are executed safely.
“The success of aircraft 80-1078’s rebuild has been a testament to the skill and aptitude of our combined maintenance, test, and acquisition team,” notes Maj. Logan Suhr, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Detachment 4. “Spanning two MAJCOMs, four bases, three wings and multiple industry partners we have brought a critical asset back to the fleet which directly impacts worldwide ISR operations.”
The aircraft successfully returned to Beale where it is now in active service for the warfighter.
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales) 
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Lindsey Iniguez) 
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales) 
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales) 
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, departs USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, after receiving final paint coatings, March 21. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales) 
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., arrives at USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, to receive final paint coatings, Feb. 29. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales) 
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, prepares to depart USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, after receiving final paint coatings, March 21. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by C.J. Raterman) 
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, prepares to depart USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, after receiving final paint coatings, March 21. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by C.J. Raterman) 
A TU-2S Dragon Lady assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, prepares to depart USAF Operating Location Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, after receiving final paint coatings, March 21. The aircraft returned to flight after nearly two years through the collaboration of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, 412th Test Wing at Edwards and Lockheed Martin Corporation. (Air Force photo by C.J. Raterman)