As of December 2024, there is no official confirmation from the U.S. Air Force regarding the operational status of the SR-72 “Darkstar.” While Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division has been developing this hypersonic aircraft, designed to reach speeds up to Mach 6, the program remains shrouded in secrecy. Recent reports suggest that the SR-72 is advancing toward production, with potential service entry before 2030.
Could Lockheed’s SR-72 Redefine Hypersonic Flight by 2030?
Lockheed Martin’s mysterious hypersonic aircraft known as SR-72 appears to be continuing its march toward service, but the program is not immune from the Air Force’s broader budgetary woes.
Sandboxx News has covered the secretive development of SR-72, Lockheed Martin’s hypersonic successor to the legendary SR-71 Blackbird, and its potential path toward service in the not-too-distant future. Now, new evidence has come to light that suggests this exotic new aircraft program is facing compounding budgetary shortfalls, which could further complicate matters for the Air Force as it struggles to find ways to fund a bevy of high-profile new efforts, including new ICBMs, stealth bombers, and air superiority fighters.
It’s important to note that while there is significant interest and speculation about the SR-72, official details are limited. The U.S. Air Force has not publicly declared the SR-72 operational or provided specific timelines for its deployment.
For a visual overview and more insights into the SR-72 “Darkstar,” you might find the following video informative:
