While the “Darkstar” featured in “Top Gun: Maverick” is not a real aircraft, its real-life inspiration, the SR-72, certainly appears to be. Still under development and shrouded in secrecy, there is little if anything definitive known about it publically.

Is the SR-72 possible?

Lockheed Martin is potentially developing the SR-72 as an American hypersonic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a planned flight expected in 2025. The new concept is intended for surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance missions.

Has the SR-72 been confirmed?

Officially, very little is known, and nothing has been confirmed. However, rumors and discussions suggest that the SR-72 will be quite a successor. It is thought to be an unmanned development, capable of hypersonic speeds of over Mach 5 (the SR-71 reached just over Mach 3, pictured below).

What is the top speed of the SR-72?

The SR-72 is touted to reach over 4,000 mph (6,437. km/h), making it the fastest plane ever developed.

What is faster SR-71 or SR-72?

The SR-72 is envisioned with an air-breathing hypersonic propulsion system that has the ability to accelerate from standstill to Mach 6 using the same engine, making it about twice as fast as the SR-71.

Finally! US Air Force Declared SR-72 DARKSTAR Is REAL!

How many Machs can a SR-72 go?

A standout feature of the SR-72 is its ability to reach hypersonic speeds up to Mach 6, significantly surpassing the SR-71's maximum speed of Mach 3.3.

Is Mach 10 possible?

Mach 10 represents an object's speed compared to the speed of sound, which is about 760 mph at sea level. Achieving Mach 10 speed is scientifically improbable for a manned aircraft, as the human body can't withstand the acceleration and G-force required.

What is the fastest plane ever?

The fastest fighter jet ever created was the NASA/USAF X-15. It was an experimental aircraft that resembled more of a rocket with wings but managed to reach a record 4,520mph. The fastest fighter jet in the world today is the MiG-25 Foxbat, with a top speed of 2,190mph, half the speed of the X-15.

What will replace the SR-71?

THE SR-72 IS SAID TO BE A HYPERSONIC AIRCRAFT

Lockheed's SR-71 Blackbird – the fastest crewed jet in history – was famously capable of sustaining speeds in excess of Mach 3 for hours on end while screaming through the sky at altitudes of 85,000 feet or higher.

Can a SR-71 outrun a bullet?

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was faster than a bullet, cruising at Mach 3+ or over 2,200 mph.

What will replace the U-2?

The U-2 is heading for retirement by 2026 due to budget concerns, according to a new report. While no replacement for the iconic U-2 Dragon Lady has officially been named, one likely candidate is the classified Northrop Grumman RQ-180 stealth drone, about which little is known.

Can the SR-71 go Mach 3?

The SR-71 was designed for flight at over Mach 3 with a flight crew of two in tandem cockpits, with the pilot in the forward cockpit and the reconnaissance systems officer operating the surveillance systems and equipment from the rear cockpit, and directing navigation on the mission flight path.

How many GS is Mach 10?

The speed at which Maverick flies the Darkstar in Top Gun: Maverick is Mach 10, which would subject him to approximately 34 G-force, rendering it practically impossible for a human to survive such forces as it would severely damage their body from the inside.

Is Mach 6 possible?

Reports indicate that the SR-72 might have a speed of Mach 6. No other aircraft in aviation history—spaceships not included—has even approached such speeds. Mach 6 translates into more than 4,100 miles per hour.

How fast is ten Mach?

Mach 10 is 7,600mph, which means these rough calculations match up. The speed of sound at 275,000 feet is lower, meaning Mach 10 is only 6,000mph.

Can a SR-71 outrun a missile?

Yes, it Could Outrun Missiles

The SR-71 earned its reputation for incomparable speed. No aircraft could catch it, and neither could missiles. A dozen Blackbirds were lost to accidents during its service history, but not a single aircraft was shot down by an enemy.

Can any plane fly 1000 mph?

There are a number of different types of jet fighters, at least one bomber, and experimental aircraft that are capable of speeds in excess of 1000 MPH, but most not for very long nor very far.

Is Mach 9 possible in a jet?

The X-43 is the fastest jet-powered aircraft on record at approximately Mach 9.6.

What is the 7000 mph plane?

During its third and final flight – at nearly Mach 10 – the X-43A research vehicle flew at approximately 7,000 mph at 110,000 feet altitude, setting the current world speed record for an air-breathing vehicle.

Do any SR-71 still fly?

The Air Force permanently retired SR-71 in 1998, leaving NASA with the two last airworthy Blackbirds until 1999. The fastest recorded speed for the SR-71 was Mach 3.32 (2,193 mph), an official speed record set on 27 July 1976.

Does the SR-72 already exist?

While the “Darkstar” featured in “Top Gun: Maverick” is not a real aircraft, its real-life inspiration, the SR-72, certainly appears to be. Still under development and shrouded in secrecy, there is little if anything definitive known about it publically.

Why was SR-71 retired?

The U.S. Air Force retired its fleet of SR-71s on Jan. 26, 1990, because of a decreasing defense budget and high costs of operation. Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the SR-71 remained the world's fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft.