The SR-72 is one of Lockheed Martin’s most mysterious projects. Designed to reach insane speeds beyond Mach 6, it is envisioned as the successor to the SR-71 Blackbird. Not much is known about this new aircraft; only breadcrumbs of information have been given from Lockheed.
Given what we do know, the aircraft will be a breakthrough in speed and stealth technologies, just like its predecessor. Here are five of our most interesting characteristics about the SR-72 “Darkstar.”
SR-72 – It can Reach Hypersonic Speeds
One of the SR-72’s most well-known features is that it can reach insane speeds up to or beyond Mach 6, which is approximately 4,000 miles per hour (6,400 kilometers per hour). This makes it twice as fast as its predecessor, the SR-71 Blackbird, which could reach speeds of Mach 3.2. The ability to travel at such high speeds would allow the SR-72 to cover vast distances in a short amount of time, making it an invaluable asset for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Its predecessor, the SR-71, was the fastest manned aircraft ever built, but the SR-72 promises to be so much more. While the blackbird was ultimately beaten by satellites, spy satellites now have a key disadvantage: they are in orbit. Being in orbit, potential adversaries can predict when spy satellites will overfly areas they would like to keep private. Modern-day military bases are built to provide overhead coverage as much as possible to prevent overhead espionage, so with calculative orbits, it’s easy to hide sensitive material before satellites pass by. The SR-72 can fly freely and unpredictably without being detected by its enemies.
A Marvel of Engineering
The designers have to employ several engineering techniques to reach hypersonic speeds without damaging their airframes. At hypersonic speeds, air friction generates extreme heat. This results in most aircraft burning up or torn apart by wind resistance. The SR-72 is expected to use advanced ceramic-carbon composites to withstand temperatures that would melt conventional aircraft materials.
Advanced Propulsion Systems
Very little is known about the SR-72’s engine system. It is expected to utilize a turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) propulsion system. This system integrates a turbine engine for lower speeds and a scramjet (supersonic combustion ramjet) for higher speeds. The TBCC system allows the aircraft to operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds, from subsonic to hypersonic. The scramjet technology is particularly crucial for achieving and maintaining hypersonic speeds, as it allows for combustion at supersonic airflow velocities.
Speed and Stealth in One Aircraft
While the SR-71 relied primarily on speed, the SR-72 combines speed and stealth. Unlike traditional stealth aircraft that rely primarily on radar-evading technologies, the SR-72 combines speed and stealth technologies. The aircraft’s hypersonic speed makes it incredibly difficult to intercept or target, as it can quickly outrun threats. This combination of speed and stealth enhances its ability to penetrate heavily defended airspace and gather critical intelligence without being detected.
The SR-72’s speed makes detecting and tracking difficult for enemy radars. Hypersonic objects like missiles are more difficult to detect based on their launch trajectory and speed. Launching an object, like a ballistic missile, into space gives radar, which can see beyond the earth’s curvature, more time to detect the object. Hypersonic weapons, even at altitude, are able to avoid detection for longer, and combined with their speed, this gives a potential enemy limited time to react to their presence.
Can Be Used for Intelligence and Military Applications
The SR-72 is envisioned to carry out a variety of roles in the future. Its hypersonic capabilities would enable rapid response to emerging threats and provide real-time intelligence to decision-makers. Additionally, the SR-72 could be equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, further enhancing its ISR capabilities.
The aircraft’s speed and agility would also make it suitable for strike missions, delivering precision-guided munitions to high-value targets.
The SR-71 could fly fast, but it could only take pictures. Its successor is not only more technologically advanced, boosting its ISR capabilities, but it can also deliver lethal strikes against enemy targets when necessary. We don’t know what type of munitions the SR-72 will carry.
They could be traditional precision munitions or special ordinances specifically made for the SR-72. Either way, a hypersonic aircraft capable of carrying out precision strikes adds a lot of versatility to the U.S.’ arsenal.
When Will the “Darkstar” be Ready?
Lockheed Martin began research on the SR-72 in 2014, planning to have a test vehicle ready by 2025. The development of the SR-72 involves significant technological advancements, particularly in propulsion and materials science.
Engineers are exploring the use of high-performance composites, such as carbon, ceramic, and metal mixes, to withstand the extreme temperatures generated at hypersonic speeds. If successful, the SR-72 could enter service in the 2030s, providing the U.S. military with a cutting-edge reconnaissance platform.
In 2013, a demonstrator was planned to be released as early as 2018. The first flight was initially planned for 2023. There have been no glimpses of the demonstrator, and the test flight was rescheduled from 2023 to 2025.
The United States Air Force, for its part, has already said it has tested potential future generations of combat aircraft planned for introduction in 2030. However, it is unclear whether the SR-72 fell under this category.
The SR-72: A Story in Mockup Photos
Image of SR-71 Spy Plane. Image Credit – Creative Commons.
SR-72. Image Credit – Artist rendering.
SR-72 Artist Rendering. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
SR-72. Image Credit: Lockheed Martin.
About the Author
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
