The key ingredient to the success of a physically-realized and performing SR-72 will be its powerplant which is comprised of a turbine-based "combined cycle" propulsion system. The arrangement will feature a base turbine engine to provide the necessary thrust from take-off to Mach 3 speeds. From there, the system's dual-mode ramjet will take over to deliver the required hypersonic speeds. The engines will be aspirated through a common inlet at the front of the engine housing and exhausted through a common nozzle at the rear of the aircraft. Internal ductwork will provide the channels needed to access one propulsion method over the other. The engines are provided by Aerojet Rocketdyne. Concept artwork showcases the engines installed in underslung forms outboard of fuselage centerline.
Beyond its presented reconnaissance capabilities, other military-minded mission roles for such a vehicle include may include a missile-carrying platform - the missiles themselves developed around the concept of hypersonic flight to coincide with their hypersonic delivery vehicle. Conceivably, such an aircraft will be able to defy conventional air defenses, swoop in from extremely high altitudes and launch its payload before even being recognized. Additionally, high-speed flight will enable it to reach any place on earth in a matter of minutes or within hours - leaving little time for an enemy to react and allowing US airpower the capability to strike any global target in short order. The technology brought about by this military project could also have a revolutionary impact on future passenger airline travel between major hubs.
Lockheed expects a functional SR-72 test vehicle to be ready by 2030. Its development is being headed by the secretive Lockheed "Skunk Works" facility which developed the famous SR-71.
June 2017 - Lockheed sources have confirmed the existence of SR-72 plans. A prototype is tentatively scheduled for readiness for the early 2020s.
September 2017 - It was revealed that work on the SR-72 project has accelerated as initial sightings of a technology demonstrator, dating back to July, have been reported near the Skunk Works facility (Palmdale, California). This aircraft was reportedly flanked by a pair of T-38 chase planes.
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