LM Conducts 1st Flight in U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh.

The article focuses on recent advancements and initiatives in military and aerospace technologies, particularly in propulsion, avionics, and hypersonic systems. General Dynamics Applied Physical Sciences Corp. is developing advanced propulsion technologies under DARPA’s Advanced Propulsor, Experimental (APEX) program to enhance the efficiency and stealth of manned and unmanned submarines. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, completed the first flight of the U-2 Dragon Lady’s Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) program, modernizing its systems to comply with the open mission systems (OMS) standard. Australian company Hypersonix Launch Systems is advocating for regulatory reforms to support the integration and growth of hypersonic unmanned aerial systems, emphasizing the need for updated airspace regulations to enable safe operations and industry innovation. Additionally, Boeing was awarded a contract to lead counter-hypersonic flight testing for DARPA’s Glide Breaker program, aiming to develop hypersonic interceptor capabilities for national defense.