Chris Pocock

3 weeks ago | dragonladyhistory.com | Chris Pocock

In a little-known development in the mid-1950s, the UK produced its own high-altitude spyplane with assistance from the US. The Meteor jet fighter was modified with longer wings and re-engined with two P&W J57-31s, that were  being used to power the RB-57D and the U-2. It was designated the Meteor PR19, and the Lockheed Skunk Works helped British aircraft company Armstrong Whitworth to design its wings.  Well actually, they didn’t, and the PR19 never existed. But were you fooled?

1 month ago | dragonladytoday.com | Chris Pocock

With less than seven months remaining before the USAF’s target date for ending U-2 operations, the Dragon Lady program is in limbo. All three of the overseas locations are still in place and flying missions as normal. No further retirement actions have taken place so far this year, and no plans for the final drawdown of the fleet have been made public. The hiatus is mainly thanks to the US Congress.

1 month ago | dragonladytoday.com | Chris Pocock

It may be facing retirement, but the U-2 Dragon Lady could still play a vital role watching over Ukraine, if a ceasefire can be agreed. The veteran high-flying spyplane is equipped with sensors and datalinks that could provide near real-time imagery to European peacekeepers. The UK, France and some other European NATO countries have said they are willing to send troops to Ukraine, on condition that the US provides logistics and air cover, which could include intelligence support.

Dec 10, 2024 | aerosociety.com | Chris Pocock

Radia has designed its enormous WindRunner to transport turbine blades to remote sites by air. CHRIS POCOCK investigates a project that could result in the world’s largest aircraft. He describes himself as a “serial entrepreneur” but Mark Lundstrom’s latest venture must surely be his most enterprising yet. An aerospace engineer by training, Lundstrom plans to build the world’s largest aircraft by volume, specifically to carry the very largest wind turbines.

Aug 28, 2024 | asianmilitaryreview.com | Chris Pocock

Development of the KF-21 combat aircraft is going well, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is now exploring manned-unmanned teaming possibilities. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is making good progress on development of the KF-21 Boramae (Young Hawk) combat aircraft. Since the first flight in July 2022, six prototypes including two twin-seaters have logged nearly 800 test hours on a path towards 2,000 hours and initial production in 2026.