US plans for hypersonic robot spy plane revealed

[Anmer]

Lockheed Martin has begun work on a successor to the supersonic Blackbird SR-71 spy plane.

The unmanned SR-72 will use an engine that combines a turbine and a ramjet to reach its top speed of Mach 6 - about 3,600mph (5,800km/h).

Like its predecessor, the SR-72 will be designed for high-altitude surveillance but might also be fitted with weapons to strike targets.

Lockheed said the aircraft should be operational by 2030.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24803511

[viking9]

Oh goody. I'll only be 92 when it's operational.

I'll start saving for my fare to go and see it. I hope it has full ADS-B.

[Sun Worshipper]

That is freakin' awesome, I hope it happens.

[Anmer]

That is freakin' awesome, I hope it happens.

What?  Tom making it to 92? 

[Sun Worshipper]

That is freakin' awesome, I hope it happens.

What?  Tom making it to 92? 

Too much!

[viking9]