The Air Force has awarded Goodrich a contract for a pair of upgraded multi-spectral payloads for U-2 surveillance aircraft to enhance their all-weather imaging capability. Produced by Goodrich, these Senior Year Electro-Optical Reconnaissance Sensors will equip U-2s of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, Calif. They boast improved range, resolution, and coverage over the aircraft’s existing capability. SYERS-2A enhances “U-2 functionality by adding extra multi-spectral imaging capability to the platform, providing significantly more utility in discerning imagery,” stated Goodrich’s release last week.
Officials at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla., said the range is “fully mission capable” to support launches following a major May 28 mishap involving Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket.