Key Points and Summary – A futuristic warfighting concept envisions the hypersonic SR-72 “Darkstar” acting as a “mothership” or “quarterback” for U.S. air dominance.
-In this scenario, the Mach 6+ aircraft would lead a formidable strike package, using its incredible speed to fly ahead of F-35s, F-47s, and drones.
SR-72 Darkstar. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
-It would gather intelligence, suppress enemy air defenses with hypersonic weapons, and use advanced AI to direct the entire formation.
-While this audacious idea is seen as a potential force multiplier against the massive air fleets of peer adversaries like China, it faces significant hurdles, including the SR-72’s extreme speed, which makes it difficult to coordinate with slower aircraft.
Could the SR-72 Darkstar Be a ‘Mothership’ for Air Dominance?
The U.S. Air Force is seeking ways to ensure it remains the world’s premier flying branch.
This comes down to having dominant air power that can bring death and destruction to the enemy at all times.
The F-35 forms the basis of fifth-generation flight, meeting these objectives. Then there are sixth-generation fighters and reconnaissance aircraft, such as the new F-47 NGAD and the SR-72, the “Son of Blackbird.”
Could the F-35, F-47, and SR-72 be interoperable and fly together in some type of tactical construct?
Capt. Andrew “Dojo” Olson, F-35 Demonstration Team pilot and commander performs a high-speed pass during the Melbourne Air and Space Show March 29, 2019 in Melbourne, Fla. The air show featured the North American Debut of the all-new F-35 Demonstration. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook)
It’s plausible this could happen someday. What would also enhance the configuration is the integration of manned-unmanned teaming with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs).
The F-35 can already fly with CCAs. F-47 NGADs, when they are ready, will also be able to control the CCA drones.
Meanwhile, the SR-72 could be the “mothership.”
SR-72 as the Supreme Aerial Commander
Alas, the SR-72 would be so fast that the F-35s and F-47s may not be able to keep up, but the SR-72 could also fly at high altitudes while overseeing the fifth and sixth-generation fighters as they perform speedy maneuvers and use the CCAs to supplement offensive missions.
The SR-72 also has ground strike capability.
This would be one powerful force of airplanes and one that the Air Force could use to transform its doctrine as it confronts great power rivalry with foes like Russia and China and lesser powers like Iran and North Korea.
Old and New Stealth Bombers Can Play a Role
Due to the SR-72’s speed, it would likely have to fly much farther ahead during the “wolfpack flight” of F-35s, F-47s, and CCAs.
Don’t forget that the Air Force could also deploy a group of B-2 Spirit bombers and the new B-21 Raider stealthy strike airplane, which are much slower.
B-21 Raider New Flight of Second Bomber. Image X Screenshot from Video Posted.
Air Force battle planners are looking at all of these new warbirds and are likely very happy.
To be sure, China and Russia are making more J-20s and Su-57s, respectively. However, the F-35s can counter those enemy fifth-generation fighters.
Leading a Heck of a Lineup of Warplanes
I’m enthusiastic about the SR-72 Darkstar. It could hit MACH 6 with its turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine.
The Son of Blackbird can conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, plus send precision-guided munitions to hit paydirt on the ground. This could achieve early warning of enemy aircraft approaching the strike group of F-35s, F-47s, B-2s, and B-21s. CCAs would also be part of this massive sortie.
F-47 Lockheed Photo. Image Credit: Lockheed Handout.
The SR-72 must have better teaming ability with all of these aircraft to make the concept work. It is not clear if the Darkstar is planned to be a “mothership,” but it is certainly plausible that it could perform those duties in the future.
The Darkstar requires extensive artificial intelligence features, as well as quantum computing, to control the CCAs and coordinate with other fighters and bombers.
As AI and quantum computing on airplanes improve and mature, the SR-72 will leverage these technologies to enhance the integrated nature of manned-unmanned teaming.
Why the Air Force Is So Excited
The SR-72 would need to be a “sensor, shooter, catalyst” to make this concept work. It will be the hub where all aircraft can take their cues.
It begins with intelligence collection and the suppression of enemy air defenses using hypersonic missiles.
Then the interoperability and communication systems take over for the SR-72. This is an exciting concept that could make the Air Force the best in the world.
SR-72 Artist Image by Lockheed Martin.
All the airplanes are expensive, though, and this new doctrine would have to be rehearsed constantly.
Plus, not all of the airplanes will be ready at the same time. The F-47 is scheduled to fly by 2028, but its launch could be delayed.
The same applies to the B-21 Raider, although that program is currently on time and on budget.
To integrate AI and quantum computing, the SR-72 could take longer to produce in numbers.
However, F-35s are already controlling CCAs, which is a positive development.
This flight of airplanes is thus more aspirational at this time.
What If China Makes One Thousand J-20s?
However, a mission involving all of the aircraft is an irresistible notion for Air Force strategists as they assess the multi-threat environment and the strength of China’s defense industrial base.
There could be 500 to 1,000 J-20s by 2030. The Air Force needs a muscular response to thwart such a ramping up of Chinese capabilities.
Overall, the SR-72 quarterback concept is an excellent idea that could work in the future. It is audacious and ambitious and will fit Air Force goals of dominating airspace to thwart U.S. adversaries who are growing stronger by the day.
The defense acquisition leaders in the Department of Defense, Congress, and the White House must agree that the SR-72 is the correct aircraft for the future and that mass interoperability and integration are possible among all the different systems.
I am concerned that the SR-72 is too fast for other aircraft to keep up with. It doesn’t have the loitering time of different command and control aircraft, which are eyes and ears in the sky. It would also require better sensors and electronic warfare capabilities to detect threats before they can become a mothership.
SR-72 Darkstar or Son of Blackbird. Image Credit: Lockheed Martin.
However, this concept demonstrates that the Air Force is thinking creatively about future warfare. China is becoming increasingly stronger by the day, boasting an industrial base that shows no signs of slowing down.
The Americans need a force multiplier, and that could begin with the Darkstar running plays and calling “audibles” like an accurate quarterback. This could be the future that the Air Force envisions for air dominance.
It will be an exciting time when all the new aircraft are integrated for missions that include air superiority, dogfighting, and ground strike. With proper leadership in Washington, the concept could become a reality, and that would give the Air Force the tools it needs to be supreme in the skies.
About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
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