Aerospace Minute by David

On 27 January, David talked about the SR-72, a new spy plane proposed by Lockheed Martin. According to Aviation Week & Space Technology (AW & ST), the SR-72 will be a high altitude, high speed UAV similar in concept to the SR-71. The article pointed out that the trend in combat aircraft is back to "high and fast". McNamara had changed strategy from high and fast to low altitude and stealth when Gary Powers was shot down. This was based on fear of the SA-200 and Mig-25. This resulted in chines added to the SR-71, canted vertical stabilizers, and radar absorbing paint. The fears were unfounded due to ineffectiveness of the USSR's defenses. Primary focus of the F-22 is speed, altitude, and air combat with stealth a secondary objective. In the same spirit, the SR-72 will focus on altitude and speed, with stealth a secondary objective.  Note that this article in AW & ST was an editorial, so opinions here may have been highly subjective!