Is the SR-72 in development?
The first flight of the SR-72 demonstrator is anticipated in 2023, while the full-scale aircraft is expected to enter into service by 2030.”
What does SR-72 stand for?
The Lockheed Martin SR-72, colloquially referred to as “Son of Blackbird”, is an American hypersonic UAV concept intended for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance proposed privately in 2013 by Lockheed Martin as a successor to the retired Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.
How high can the SR-72 fly?
80,000 feet
It could operate at sustained altitudes of over 80,000 feet, with a peak altitude record of over 85,000 feet. That altitude is so high that SR-71 pilots basically wore spacesuits and helmets.
Are SR-71 still in service?
During 1988, the USAF retired the SR-71 largely for political reasons; several were briefly reactivated during the 1990s before their second retirement in 1998. NASA was the final operator of the type, retiring their examples in 1999.
Do SR-71 Blackbirds still fly?
SR-71 Blackbird: The Cold War spy plane that’s still the world’s fastest airplane. During the Cold War, this plane could fly higher and faster than any other — and 55 years after its first flight, it still does.
Is sr72 real?
The SR-72 is a new hypersonic demonstrator aircraft to be developed by Lockheed Martin under its Skunk Works or Advanced Development Programs, to meet the requirements of the United States Air Force (USAF).
What is the top speed of SR-71?
2,455 mph
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird/Top speed
When is the first flight of the SR-72?
An optionally piloted flight research vehicle (FRV) is also in the works to flight test elements of the SR-72 design. The FRV will be about the size of an F-22 and use a single combined-cycle engine for propulsion. Development of the FRV is expected to begin next year and first flights could occur as soon as 2020.
Where was the SR-72 demonstrator reportedly spotted?
Leading up to the FRV, Lockheed could be conducting ground and flight tests on even smaller demonstrators, which might explain the small aircraft that was reportedly spotted landing at Lockheed Martin facilities in California.
What do we know about the Lockheed Martin SR-72?
What else is known to date about the SR-72 is that it is a hypersonic aircraft demonstrator – which may or may not lead to a full production vehicle. It was also developed as an optionally piloted flight research vehicle (FRV), and would have the capability to conduct ISR as well as strike operations.
Is the SR-72 Blackbird a hypersonic aircraft?
A proposed hypersonic reconnaissance and strike aircraft, the SR-72 would serve as a replacement for the famed SR-71 Blackbird, which was retired by the Air Force back in 1998.