Key Points and Summary – The SR-72 “Darkstar,” as it is unofficially known in the film Top Gun: Maverick, is a conceptual hypersonic aircraft currently under development at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division.
-At least, according to the latest reports, it seems to be in the works.
SR-72 Darkstar Plane. Image Credit: Lockheed Martin Handout.
-It is intended to succeed and surpass its predecessor, the SR-71 Blackbird, as America’s next-generation reconnaissance aircraft.
-In addition to hypersonic flight and cutting-edge stealth technology, the SR-72 will reportedly also be capable of conducting combat missions, making it a versatile and formidable vessel.
-But how fast is the SR-72 Darkstar going to be? And will it have real-world applications for the U.S. military?
SR-72: The Fastest Manned Atmospheric Aircraft Ever?
The main selling point of the SR-72 is its hypersonic capabilities.
It is designed to reach Mach 6, which translates to approximately 4,000 miles per hour or 6,437 kilometers per hour. This is twice the speed of the SR-71, which could reach around Mach 3.2. At Mach 6, the SR-72 would be able to fly from New York to London in under an hour, making it the fastest aircraft ever conceived for operational use.
While some speculative reports and fictional portrayals, such as in the film Top Gun: Maverick, have suggested speeds as high as Mach 10, the realistic engineering target remains Mach 6 due to the immense technical challenges involved.
SR-71 and SR-71 Nose Section Original Photo from NSJ.
SR-71 Side Angle National Security Journal Original Photo.
SR-71 National Security Journal Image.
To achieve such speeds, the SR-72 likely relies on a revolutionary propulsion system known as a Turbine-Based Combined Cycle (TBCC) engine. This system integrates a traditional turbine engine with a scramjet, or supersonic combustion ramjet.
The turbine engine is used for takeoff and acceleration up to around Mach 3, after which the scramjet takes over to propel the aircraft to hypersonic speeds. Both engines share a common inlet and nozzle but operate in different speed regimes.
This hybrid approach allows the SR-72 to accelerate from a standstill to Mach 6 without the need for rocket boosters, which are typically required for hypersonic flight.
Still a Ways Off
Ironically, the SR-72’s high speed is its greatest strength and weakness. At such speeds, aerodynamic heating can raise the surface temperature of the aircraft to levels that would melt conventional metals.
To withstand these conditions, the SR-72 is expected to be constructed from advanced composite materials, including carbon-carbon and ceramic matrix composites. These materials are capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius.
The aircraft will also incorporate thermal protection systems similar to those used on the Space Shuttle and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Its design will be sleek and angular, optimized to reduce drag and manage heat distribution effectively.
SR-72 artist image. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Currently, several technological issues still need to be addressed before the SR-72 takes flight. Thermal management is one of the biggest challenges. At Mach 6, the aircraft’s skin can reach temperatures that require not only heat-resistant materials but also active cooling systems to protect internal components.
Another major challenge is the integration of the propulsion system. The transition from turbine to scramjet mode must be seamless, involving precise control of airflow and combustion to avoid engine stall or flameout.
Additionally, projects as ambitious as this one are often prone to cost overruns. Recent reports have indicated a budget overrun of approximately $335 million, a development that could kill the project if not checked early.
Development of the “Darkstar”
Many details about the SR-72’s development are shrouded in secrecy, as the program remains veiled, but work on the project is believed to have begun around 2014. Lockheed Martin has been working closely with Aerojet Rocketdyne to develop the scramjet technology necessary for the aircraft’s propulsion system.
A demonstrator flight was initially targeted for 2023, but delays have pushed this milestone to around 2025.
As of the time of writing, Lockheed Martin is reportedly on track to finalize a prototype by the end of the year; however, there has been almost no new information on this development in some time.
This prototype, known as a Flight Research Vehicle, will be used to validate the TBCC propulsion system and other critical technologies. If successful, the SR-72 could enter operational service in the early 2030s.
What Could Make the SR-72 a Game Changer
The SR-72 is envisioned as a multi-role platform. Its primary mission is high-speed reconnaissance, allowing it to gather intelligence deep within enemy territory before adversaries can react.
However, it is also likely expected to serve as a hypersonic strike platform, capable of delivering precision-guided munitions or hypersonic missiles. Its unmanned nature allows it to operate in high-risk environments without endangering pilots, making it ideal for missions over hostile or contested airspace.
Additionally, it could be equipped for electronic warfare and surveillance, monitoring, and disrupting enemy communications and radar systems.
The SR-72 Changes Everything
If the SR-72 works as intended, then it will truly usher in a new era of aerospace engineering. In modern warfare, speed is becoming as important as stealth. The SR-72’s ability to travel at Mach 6 would make it nearly impossible for current air defense systems to intercept.
Just as the SR-71 famously outran over 4,000 missiles during its service, the SR-72 is designed to use speed as its primary defense mechanism. This capability would allow it to penetrate heavily defended airspace, such as that protected by advanced integrated air defense systems like Russia’s S-400 or China’s HQ-9.
Moreover, the SR-72 would enable time-critical targeting. In future conflicts, the ability to detect, decide, and destroy within minutes could be decisive.
The SR-72 could deliver real-time intelligence or launch hypersonic weapons before the enemy has time to react. This would be particularly valuable in scenarios involving mobile or time-sensitive targets, such as missile launchers or command centers.
A Hypersonic Arms Race Unfolds
The SR-72 is part of a broader hypersonic arms race that is currently ongoing. Other nations, including Russia, China, and India, are also developing hypersonic platforms. Russia’s Avangard glide vehicle reportedly reaches speeds of Mach 20, while China’s DF-ZF is believed to operate between Mach 5 and 10. India is testing its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) at Mach 6.
However, unlike these missile-based systems, the SR-72 is designed to be reusable, maneuverable, and capable of multiple missions, giving it a unique strategic edge.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 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.
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