Successor to the Blackbird! The United States' most advanced hypersonic aircraft is capable of reaching an impressive 7.350 km/h

The SR-72 aircraft is the successor to the iconic Blackbird and promises to revolutionize aviation with its hypersonic capabilities, being used in ultra-fast military operations and strategic reconnaissance.

The SR-72 has been gaining attention since 2013, when Lockheed Martin revealed plans to develop a revolutionary hypersonic aircraft. Since then, the project has attracted attention for its potential to transform the aerial battlefield.

In 2017, Lockheed announced progress in the program, highlighting the ambition to reach speeds in excess of Mach 6. Already in 2018, rumors indicated that a prototype called Flight Research Vehicle (FRV) was undergoing testing in California, fueling speculation about the aircraft's progress.

More recently, in 2023, Lockheed reaffirmed that the SR-72 is on track to make its first flight in 2025. However, additional information remains confidential, a typical characteristic of the Skunk Works division, famous for developing highly confidential projects.

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Impressive technical specifications of the aircraft

The SR-72 promises to raise the bar for military aviation with significant technical advances. Key highlights include:

advanced propulsion: Equipped with a turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine, the SR-72 integrates conventional turbines with scramjet engines. This configuration allows smooth transitions between subsonic and hypersonic speeds, ensuring high efficiency and performance.
Extreme speed: Capable of reaching Mach 6 (approximately 7.400 km/h), the aircraft will be twice as fast as its predecessor, the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, which reached Mach 3.2.
Design and altitude: With a design optimized for high altitudes, the SR-72 offers strategic advantages in surveillance and the ability to launch hypersonic missiles with lethal precision.

These attributes make the SR-72 an unmatched platform for missions in highly contested environments.

Challenges and investments

The development of the SR-72, however, has not been without challenges. In July 2024, the Aviation Week reported that the program faced a $45 million budget overrun in the second quarter, bringing total losses to $335 million since 2022.

These costs reflect Lockheed Martin's substantial investments in advanced technology and component acquisition. Despite the financial and technical risks, the company appears determined to overcome the difficulties and make the SR-72 an operational reality.

hypersonic, aircraft — Photo: Reproduction

Evidence of progress

Since 2021, there have been signs that the program is moving toward full-scale production. In August of that year, Lockheed opened a new production facility at its Skunk Works headquarters in Palmdale, California.

This building, designed to integrate artificial intelligence and robotics technologies, is capable of 3D printing composite aerostructures and assembling them using innovative methods.

In 2022, Lockheed reported a $225 million pretax loss tied to the SR-72 program. This information suggests that the aircraft is transitioning to low-rate production, an important step toward operationalization.

More clues emerged in May 2022, when Safran Landing Systems signed a contract to develop landing gear systems for a “aircraft of the future".

This type of development is typically associated with production programs, indicating that the SR-72 is in an advanced stage of development.

Another significant fact is the increase in the workforce at the Palmdale facility. By September 2023, the team surpassed 5.500 employees, more than double the number recorded in 2018.

John Clark, general manager of Skunk Works, confirmed that production has resumed, although he declined to identify the project.

Strategic impact

If put into service, the SR-72 promises to revolutionize U.S. military capabilities. Scheduled to enter service in 2030, the aircraft will offer significant advantages in reconnaissance and high-altitude strike. precision.

Its extreme speed will allow it to overcome enemy defense systems, making it an indispensable strategic asset.

The evolution of the SR-72 reflects Lockheed Martin’s commitment to redefining the boundaries of aircraft technology. Despite financial and technical challenges, the “Son of the Blackbird” is moving closer to take flight, ushering in a new era in military aviation.