US Air Force's top‑secret SR‑72: The 'son of Blackbird' to dominate the skies at 4,000 mph by 2025
4:17 PM EST, January 6, 2024
The hypersonic SR-72 aircraft, also recognized as the "son of Blackbird", is expected to achieve speeds of 4,000 mph. This machine, undergoing development by Lockheed Martin engineers for the US Army, is set to become the fastest airplane in history. Its nickname arises from its status as the successor to the SR-71 "Blackbird", a record-breaking aircraft that achieved speeds above 2,485 mph in 1974.
The SR-72: Soon to be the fastest plane in the world?
Reports indicate that the SR-72 will be an unmanned aircraft focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance tasks. Furthermore, it is expected to be compatible with the new High-Speed Strike Weapon (HSSW), making it potentially practical for high-risk missions where traditional manned aircraft might be too slow and pilot safety questionable.
Further information suggests that this new hypersonic weapon system could enable the fastest missile launches globally, thereby immediately achieving hypersonic speeds. Importantly, these speeds will be sustained for more extended periods, as reported on the Interesting Engineering website.
A brief discussion about speed
Why should an airplane strive for such high speeds? Primarily, it is to circumvent modern anti-aircraft defenses. To date, only rocket-propelled aircraft and spacecraft, which are single-use, have achieved such speeds. In contrast, the SR-72 is expected to be a reusable aircraft.
Traditional turbojet and turbofan engines provide reusability and high power during takeoff and landing but cannot sustain hypersonic speeds. Other types of jet engines can propel aircraft to supersonic speeds but are ineffective for takeoff and landing. Therefore, a new propulsion system for the SR-72, based on a Turbine-Based Combined Cycle (TBCC), is being developed. This system will blend turbofan engines with a potent ramjet engine.
The "son of Blackbird" is projected to slightly exceed 98 feet in length, making it similar in size to its "father". Unfortunately, further details are yet to be disclosed.
