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The SR-72, dubbed ‘Son of Blackbird’, is Lockheed Martin’s eagerly awaited hypersonic innovation.
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Following in the contrails of the historic SR-71 Blackbird, the SR-72 is not merely a successor but a revolutionary leap forward in aviation technology.
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With its projected debut in 2025. The SR-72 is rumored to be capable of reaching speeds over 4,000 mph and will likely use a combination of turbofan and scramjet engines.
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Even though it is no longer in service, the SR-71 “Blackbird” of the U.S. Air Force still holds several records.
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This reconnaissance aircraft remains the fastest ever to grace the skies worldwide.
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The SR-71 flew at speeds of just over Mach 3 and could operate at altitudes up to 85,000 feet.
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Its speed, altitude, and stealth design made it virtually unattackable.
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Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, the famed division responsible for the SR-71, has been tasked with delivering its modern counterpart: the SR-72, also dubbed the ‘Darkstar’ in some circles.
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Lockheed Martin has openly discussed the design and concept of such an aircraft (but not for several years), although official details on its design, specifications, and roles are lacking.
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Such hypersonic speeds will, of course, require major developments in the previous engine technology.
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The commonly discussed propulsion system for such an aircraft is a combination of a standard turbofan jet engine (for lower speeds) and a supersonic combustion ramjet or ‘scramjet’ for hypersonic speeds.
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Brad Leland, Lockheed’s program manager, emphasized the strategic significance of hypersonic technology, stating, “Hypersonic aircraft, coupled with hypersonic missiles, could penetrate denied airspace and strike at nearly any location across a continent in less than an hour.”
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adding that “Speed is the next aviation advancement to counter emerging threats in the next several decades.
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The technology would be a game-changer in theater, similar to how stealth is changing the battlespace today.”
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The prospect of such an aircraft has heightened tensions in the ongoing arms race, prompting parallel developments in sixth-generation fighter and bomber programs by global superpowers.
Relevant articles:
– Son Of Blackbird: What Is The Lockheed Martin SR-72?, Simple Flying
– The 11 Fastest Planes in the World [#11 Hasn’t Been Produced Yet], pilotmall.com
– Lockheed Martin SR-72 Son of Blackbird or Darkstar: What We Know Right Now, The National Interest