Aerospace

This could be the US Air Force’s next spy plane

The US Air Force has been locked in a years-long battle over the retirement of the famous U-2 spy plane. In the meantime, Lockheed Martin has unveiled what could be the successor to the U-2. It's called the TR-X, and it could be ready as early as 2025, according to Lockheed.

The image you see above was released by Lockheed at an Air Force Association conference this week, and it's important to note that it is just an artist’s impression. There are few details on the plane's specifications or mission, beyond the knowledge that the TR-X concept was developed by Lockheed's advanced development arm (known as Skunk Works). But Flightglobal reports that it would be more powerful, could be configured for communication, electronic warfare, and outfitted with offensive or defensive laser weapons.