The SR-72, nicknamed “The Son of the Blackbird”, is a top-secret US Air Force project that promises to revolutionize hypersonic aviation with speeds exceeding 6,400 km/h. Scheduled for 2025, this unmanned aircraft could well be the fastest ever designed.
The American company Lockheed Martin, through its advanced development programs, is working on the SR-72a direct evolution of legendary SR-71 Blackbird. This new, fully automated model is intended for reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence (ISR) missions. Its ability to achieve and maintain hypersonic speeds will give it an important strategic advantage on modern battlefields.
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In addition to its ISR duties, the SR-72 is designed to support Lockheed Martin’s new hypersonic weapon system, the High-Speed Strike Weapon (HSSW). This combination will significantly increase his offensive capabilities. They will allow it to carry out precise strikes in high-risk areas where manned aircraft could not operate effectively.
The SR-72 will be able to fly at more than 6,400 km/h
The SR-72 is programmed to reach a speed of over 6,400 km/hwhich represents approximately five times the speed of sound. For comparison, a modern airliner typically travels at around 900 km/h, while a standard fighter jet can reach up to 2,500 km/h.
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Designed unmanned To minimize risks and maximize performance, the SR-72 integrates advanced autonomous piloting technologies. The first ones test flights are intended for 2025, which will allow its unique capabilities to be tested in hypersonic flight. Its engine technology combines the characteristics of jet engines, for takeoff and landing, with those of rocket enginesfor the phases of very high speed flight. This technical requirement places it in a category of its own, it allows it to cover intercontinental distances in record time.
This plane, planned for enter service by 2030and for cinema lovers, the design of the SR-72 is very reminiscent of that of the plane Darkstar in the movie “Top Gun Maverick“. Some rumors suggested that it could be an actual prototype.
Source: The Sun