Aircraft
The Skunk Works Hypes Hypersonics
Saying that “speed is the new stealth,” Skunk Works unveiled a hypersonic design using novel engine technology. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
Saying that “speed is the new stealth,” Skunk Works unveiled a hypersonic design using novel engine technology. (Image: Lockheed Martin)

The Lockheed Martin Skunk Works revealed a hypersonic aircraft design that can take off and land conventionally using turbine-based combined-cycle engine technology. The company said it has been working with rocket propulsion specialists Aerojet for several years on the project, using company funds. Although the design could lead to a Mach 6 unmanned strike aircraft, Lockheed Martin has dubbed it the SR-72, after the company’s SR-71 Blackbird manned strategic reconnaissance aircraft that reached Mach 3 but was retired in 1997.