Posted on Nov 25, 2016

If not classified, what is the designation, purpose, and capability of the huge pod mounted on the pylon above the U-2S fuselage?

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UPDATE: FAS "Senior Span and Senior Spur are two separate satellite relay systems that are contained in a special dorsal pod and carried on the upper fuselage. When out of range of the data link system SYERS and ASARS data is transmitted via these satellite links at global ranges."

This seems strange to me because the pod is so huge - inevitably degrading max performance features. Why would such a large pod be required for satellite communications?

Interesting Related Website: http://www.spyflight.co.uk/u-2s.htm

U2 Role In Desert Storm: http://nsarchive.gwu.edu/NSAEBB/NSAEBB74/U2-49.pdf

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Intelligence 365ebe0a

Lockheed Martin

Edited 8 y ago

Posted 8 y ago

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Edited 8 y ago

Posted 8 y ago

Another Interesting Related Website: http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/a-spotters-guide-to-the-u-2-dragon-lady-and-its-many [login to see]

A Spotter's Guide To The U-2 'Dragon Lady' And Its Many Configurations

The venerable U-2 'Dragon Lady' is a spy plane born from Cold War necessity that soldiered on operationally for decades past anyone's wildest dreams. She went from sleek design to a bulging beast of burden whose silhouette can change as fast as her mission requires it to. Here's a guide to her many configurations.

LTC Stephen C.

Edited 8 y ago

Posted 8 y ago

1LT Sandy Annala, it's a Senior Spur/Span dorsal pod. "The huge radome on top of this Dragon Lady's spine is a satellite communications system known as either Senior Span or Senior Spur, depending on how the jet is configured. Senior Span is fitted to provide the conveyance of signals intelligence collection data beyond line of sight and around the globe. Senior Spur is used for transmitting other forms of data, including image intelligence and electronic intelligence gathered by the U-2's sensors. In its latest configuration, Senior Spur may also be able to transmit data over the horizon via Ku-band satellite that is being produced remotely from another source other than the U-2's sensors. In this function the aircraft would be working as a battlefield relay surrogate for other forces." I think that's right! LTC Stephen F. SFC George Smith

http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/a-spotters-guide-to-the-u-2-dragon-lady-and-its-many [login to see]

A Spotter's Guide To The U-2 'Dragon Lady' And Its Many Configurations