Tech & Auto
This Bizarre Aircraft Was Hiding Some Seriously Futuristic Tech
By CHRIS LITTLECHILD
The Tacit Blue looks like an AI-generated image of a generic, vaguely futuristic-looking aircraft, but it has an intriguing and vital place in the history of stealth aircraft.
Built in the 1980s, the Tacit Blue represented an effort to try and resolve a primary issue facing the development of stealth planes: engines in operation generate tremendous heat.
The softer shape of the aircraft helped to reduce this problem, and, though it was unique compared to other craft of the time, it was rather less conspicuous in operation too.
The U.S. Air Force wanted an aircraft that could approach close to enemy lines, deploy sophisticated radar to monitor movements, and do all of this in relative safety.
It was also powered by twin Garrett ATF3-6 high-bypass turbofans and boasted a connection to ground command and sophisticated sensors that could be used without detection.