A rare TU-2S recently returned to service after a nearly three-year repair odyssey. Aircraft 1078 suffered a wingtip damage in a April 2021 accident, grounding the plane and posing a unique challenge. Typically, U-2s undergo Program Depot-Level Maintenance (PDM) at a specialized facility in Palmdale, California. However, the damage to 1078 prevented its transport.
This situation sparked an innovative solution. The 9th Maintenance Group at Beale Air Force Base joined forces with Lockheed Martin technicians to perform the complex PDM repairs entirely on-site. This marked the first time a U-2 underwent such a comprehensive maintenance overhaul outside of its usual location. The collaborative effort highlights the expertise and adaptability of the maintenance crews.
The repair process wasn’t without its milestones. Notably, the restored 1078 became the first silver U-2 to fly since 2014, taking to the skies for a series of test flights before receiving its signature black paint job at Plant 42 in Palmdale. The final test flight pushed the aircraft to its limits, exceeding 70,000 feet while piloted by a crew wearing high-altitude pressure suits. Following a successful solo ferry flight by Major Brandon, the aircraft returned to Beale Air Force Base in March 2024, sporting a fresh coat of black paint and ready to resume its critical role.
The return of 1078 is particularly significant for the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (1st RS). With only five TU-2S Dragon Lady trainers ever built, the loss of aircraft 1068 in 2016 and the retirement of 1065 in 2023 created a strain on training resources. The restored 1078 brings the active trainer fleet back to three, providing much-needed availability for the newest generation of U-2 pilots.
The successful on-site repair of U-2S Dragon Lady 1078 demonstrates the Air Force’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
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