A prototype of the SR-72 hypersonic jet, the successor to the retired SR-71 “Blackbird,” could debut by late 2025, according to online publication The National Interest.
The report reveals that the aircraft, dubbed the “Son of Blackbird,” is being developed by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works team.
According to the report, the SR-72 also called “Darkstar” is expected to surpass the Blackbird in speed. “In order to outpace the most advanced modern-day air defenses, the successor aircraft would need to be able to reach hypersonic speeds at over Mach 5.0.”
News outlet Army Recognition said that if successful, the SR-72 “would become the fastest operational airframe ever built.”
According to reports, the SR-72 is envisioned for strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in contested environments where traditional manned aircraft would face unacceptable risks. Analysts also believe it could launch hypersonic weapons like the High-Speed Strike Weapon, which is in development.
Though Lockheed Martin has not publicly confirmed the SR-72 program, there are signs it is in the works. These include facility expansions and contracts for landing gear.
In 2023, Lockheed’s social media teased the project with a post reading: “Highway to the Danger Zone #RealTopGun. The SR-71 Blackbird is still the fastest acknowledged crewed air-breathing jet aircraft,” hinting that an even faster, unacknowledged aircraft may be in development.
The fictional hypersonic jet “Darkstar,” flown by Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the film Top Gun: Maverick, is believed to have inspired the SR-72 program. In the film, the Lockheed Martin–designed aircraft is capable of exceeding Mach 10.
Highway to The Danger Zone #RealTopGun
The SR-71 Blackbird is still the fastest acknowledged crewed air-breathing jet aircraft. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/62Xqr62gze
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin) March 12, 2023
The SR-71 Blackbird, which first flew in the 1960s, could reach speeds of Mach 3.2 and soar above 85,000 feet. It was retired in 1998 due to high operational costs and shifts in reconnaissance strategies. To this day, no aircraft has matched its speed or altitude.
