SR-72 Darkstar Aircraft

Full Specifications

SR-72 Darkstar Hypersonic Strike Aircraft

The SR-72 Darkstar is a proposed hypersonic strike and reconnaissance aircraft associated with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. Often described as the successor concept to the SR-71 Blackbird, the SR-72 is envisioned as a Mach 5 plus platform designed to operate in highly contested environments. While not officially fielded or publicly confirmed as a bomber, it is frequently discussed as a potential high speed strike asset capable of rapid global response.

Manufacturer

The aircraft concept is linked to Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in cooperation with Aerojet Rocketdyne for propulsion development. The program emerged from U.S. research into hypersonic flight, advanced materials, and combined cycle propulsion systems. No formal U.S. Air Force designation or procurement program has been announced.

Speed and Range

The SR-72 concept centers on sustained hypersonic flight, with projected speeds of Mach 5 to Mach 6. This performance would allow the aircraft to reach targets thousands of miles away in a fraction of the time required by conventional bombers. Range estimates vary, but open source discussions suggest intercontinental reach when supported by aerial refueling. High altitude operation and extreme speed are intended to reduce vulnerability to modern air defenses.

Cost / Price

No official unit cost exists, as the SR-72 has not entered production. Analysts estimate that development and unit costs would be extremely high, likely exceeding those of current stealth bombers due to advanced propulsion, thermal management, and materials requirements. Any future program would represent a major long term investment by the United States.