New American Reconnaissance Aircraft For Intelligence In High Altitude
This post is also available in: 
עברית (Hebrew)
Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin’s advanced development program, has recently revealed plans for a next-generation, high-altitude intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platform, called TR-X, that could replace the U-2 and Global Hawk from 2025.
The TR-X is still being developed and is now being tested to carry alternative payloads such as a high-energy laser, or electronic warfare. Lockheed Martin believes that a U.S. requirement for the TR-X could emerge within the next 18 months. Company officials made passing reference to the project, labeling it the RQ-X, suggesting an unmanned, purely ISR platform. They have since changed the designation to TR-X for ‘tactical reconnaissance’, reflecting the potential multi-mission capability, and optional manning.
However, an LM official said that the company is leaning away from optional manning, since by the time the TR-X is available, the FAA should have resolved the current issues on the airspace integration of UAVs. The official mentioned that the platform would not be completely autonomous as this will decrease its operational flexibility. Adaptability must be a key characteristic to be considered.
The TR-X is in fact an upgraded version of the U-2 stealth jet, which has been operational in the U.S. air force since the cold war. The TR-X is designed to have several similar features to those of the U-2, including modular payloads, a poweful generator (Kva 45), wired communications and a fast deployment capability.
