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The Goal is to create a 5"proped, 6s powere BDF style RC replica of the SR-72 dubbed son of Blackbird (SR-71). It is also Darkstar, the Mach10 plane from Top Gun - Maverick.
History
Lockheed Martin posted on its website, the Top Gun: Maverick team called them when they were looking for a mean flying machine, and the Skunk Works put together a small team to bring "Darkstar" to life.
The model they built was so accurate that China was reportedly fooled in believing that it was a real experimental aircraft and even reoriented a spy satellite to take photos of it.
The Skunk Works team went from conceptualizing the aircraft to making a realistic model with a working cockpit and keeping it structurally sound throughout the filming.
As always, the job is easier said than done, and the team went through multiple design iterations before the world saw Darkstar on their screens.
BUT WHAT ABOUT ITS CAPABILITIES?
This aircraft can equip the LAAM, SAAM, or SFFS as its special weapons in the game Ace Combat 7.
Without delving into the movie plot, one can say that even though the plane of the screen isn't real, the capabilities it showcases aren't completely fictional either.
Hypersonic planes have been on the priority list of the U.S. military for quite a while now. Lockheed Martin's SR-71 Blackbird was the fastest fighter aircraft ever built. But since the aircraft retired in 1998, the military has been looking for its rightful successor.
The SR-72, also known as 'Son of Blackbird,' has reportedly been in the works and will make its first flight in 2025. Its top speed is expected to be Mach 6, enough to blow off rooftops, and if you look at some of the renderings of the aircraft, you will definitely see similarities with DarkStar.
We also know that the aircraft is meant for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions but will also have strike capabilities. The only difference is that with increased improvements in automation, the SR-72 is expected to be an unmanned aircraft.
Microsoft Simulator has a Version of the craft:
Specs
Speed: Mach 6+ (Mach10.2 in the movie)
Length 100'
Model Specs
Length = 80"
Wingspan = 40"
Motor = 2207 1700kv
Props = 5x5x3 props
Power = 2x 2200 3S - 6S configuration
Controller = 35A ESC 3-6s BLheli Dshot
Speed = 80+ mph?
Plans
Beta Planset
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Build Log Summary:
(Pending)
Glide Test & Maiden:
Builder's Notes:
(Pending)
