NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lockheed ER-2: NASA High Altitude Airborne Science Aircraft

The Lockheed ER-2 was developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to serve as a high altitude scientific research aircraft. The ER-2 designation was first applied to NASA's version of the U-2C model. NASA has since acquired and used the U2-R or TR-1 model, but has retained the ER-2 descriptor.



The newest ER2 (U2-R) was built and delivered in 1989 and represents one of NASA's youngest aircraft. The ER-2 differs from the U.S. Air Force's U-2 in the lack of defensive systems, absence of classified electronics, completely different electrical wiring to support NASA sensors, and, of course, a different paint scheme. Both NASA ER2s were re-engined with new General Electric F-118-101 engines in the late 90's at the same time the U2 fleet was re-engined, providing much-improved range, endurance, altitude, and reliability.

The ER-2 is an extremely versatile aircraft well suited to multiple mission tasks. The ER-2 is thirty percent larger than the original U-2 with a twenty foot longer wingspan and a considerably increased payload over the older airframe. The aircraft has four large pressurized experiment compartments and a high capacity AC/DC electrical system, permitting a variety of payloads to be carried on a single mission. The modular design of the aircraft permits rapid installation or removal of payloads to meet changing mission requirements. The ER-2 has a range beyond 6,000 nautical miles; is capable of flight duration well in excess of 10 hours, and can operate at altitudes above 70,000 feet (21.3 km) if required. Range and duration are normally restricted due to pilot duty time limitations.

Scientific instruments flown aboard the ER-2 can be mounted in various payload areas. On a single flight, the ER-2 can carry over one ton of instruments to altitudes above 65,000 feet and outside 95% of the Earth's atmosphere.

Specifications (per USAF-releasable data)

Crew:	One Pilot
Length:	62 feet, 1 inch
Wingspan:	103 feet, 4 inches
Engine:	One General Electric F-118-101 engine
Base:	Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California

Performance:

Altitude:	Above 70,000 feet
Range:	over 6000 nautical miles, subject to pilot duty time limitations
Duration:	over 10 hours
Cruise Speed:	~400 knots above 65,000 feet altitude (~210 meters/sec)
Payload:	Nose: 600 lb; Q-bay: 750 lb; Wing pods: 1360 lb

Aircraft Range and Endurance

A normal eight hour mission will cover a range of 3000 nautical miles, and yield approximately seven hours of high altitude operations. Missions of 10 hours or more are possible, but impose additional risks to the pilot, aircraft, and sensors. Every effort is made to minimize these risks, and extended missions require additional justification. Missions of this length will also strongly affect the available crew resources for ensuing flight operations.

Specialized Modifictions & Facilities

Q-Bay instrumentation area & payload pallets (pressurized)

Wing-mounted instrumentation pods (pressurized)

Nose cone instrumentation area (pressurized)

Zenith and nadir viewing capability

Navigation data recording system

Data telemetry system

Video camera system

Facility sensors

ER2 Platform Point of Contact Jacques J. Vachon NASA Dryden Flight Research Center