Tech & Auto
SR-72 ‘Darkstar’ Jet Rumors That Have Us Fascinated
By PATRICK PHILLIPS
The Name
While the name of Lockheed Martin’s experimental SR-72 is the Darkstar in “Top Gun: Maverick,” that is not the jet’s actual name.
The name hasn’t been officially revealed. The closest confirmation comes from a 2013 Aviation Week report, which refers to it as “Son of Blackbird.”
Appearance
In addition to the movie creating a name, the jet design in “Maverick” is also almost entirely fictional. However, it was conceived by some of aviation’s top minds.
It was designed by those working on the SR-72, as the movie collaborated directly with Lockheed Martin to craft a version of the Darkstar that was both impressive and believable.
Hypersonic
The real SR-72 is rumored to be powered by Turbine-Based Combined-Cycle Hypersonic Engines, which would help it reach Mach 5 and potentially even Mach 10.
Per an interview with Skunk Works portfolio manager Bradley Leland, the engines will likely also use the same exotic JP-7 fuel that powered the plane’s predecessor.