The new SR-72 Darkstar UAV will fly at a speed of 7350 km/h and hit targets with hypersonic missiles.
The SR-71 Blackbird is considered the fastest manned aircraft ever built, but it will soon lose that title as Lockheed Corporation plans to introduce the faster, unmanned SR-72 Darkstar, writes Simple Flying.
Although the development of the SR-72 was secret, some details about it are still known. The program in which the drone will be developed has been running since 2013. The UAV was positioned by engineers as a hypersonic strategic reconnaissance aircraft. Current status: project proposal.
The publication reports that in 2018 they plan to launch a prototype device with a speed of Mach 6 (7350 km/h), which, unlike the SR-71, can provide reconnaissance, surveillance and even the ability to hit targets. discovery. Flight tests are planned for 2023. However, it is not yet known whether this plane took off or not. The US Air Force has already tested next-generation fighter jets, which are scheduled to enter service in 2030. These devices are part of the NGAD program, which will produce sixth-generation aircraft to replace the F-22 attack aircraft. However, it is unknown whether the SR-72 is part of this program.
Doubling the speed of the SR-71 is no easy task. Lockheed Martin said the promised Mach 6 speed was the best option. Regarding weapons, the developers said that the UAV can launch hypersonic missiles. It’s unclear what additional capabilities the aircraft will need to launch hypersonic weapons, but what is certain is that Boeing test missiles have been launched by B-52 bombers before.
The SR-72 drone, like its predecessor the SR-71, will be able to compete with satellites because it has a significant drawback: Adversaries can predict when spy satellites will fly over certain areas they want to keep secret. However, it is not possible to predict when and where a hypersonic drone will fly. Moreover, any hypersonic device is more difficult to detect by radar.
Important
Meanwhile, countries challenging the United States have made significant progress in developing their own hypersonic technologies. So Russia has already used hypersonic cruise missiles in the war with Ukraine, and China has deployed hypersonic cruise missiles against US aircraft carrier groups in a possible war against Taiwan.
We previously wrote that the Altius-700M UAV successfully attacked the SA-17 air defense system. A drone produced by Anduril was able to hit an armored target and detonate it.
It was also reported that engineers equipped the TRX SHORAD air defense drone with missiles and a machine gun. The drone received 2 Stinger missile launchers and a 30 mm machine gun to combat UAVs.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.