Skunk Works in the 2018 deep-strike bomber race Associated Press Sunday, 1 Apr 2007
In an unprecedented and unforeseen turn of events, Lockheed Martin has announced it’s entry for the Air Force’s 2018 deep-strike bomber RFP. Lockheed Martin spokesman said that it was pulling it’s last remaining dies from storage to renew testing of the SR-71, nicknamed the Blackbird. Answering no questions but merely saying that with new technologies the possibilities for adapting the decommissioned spy plane for a deep attack role are endless.
Speculations abound that LockMark is renewing its development of the A-12 interceptor. Indeed, the SR-71, developed with 1950’s technology and in service from the 60’s to late 90’s, may have more going for it that had previously thought possible. With more than 1000 missiles fired at it during its 30+ year service with no losses, and exact performance still classified, it seems perfect for the deep strike role.
Concerning the “new technologies” mentioned by the LockMark spokesman, experts theorize that newer, more powerful and fuel efficient engines could push the Mach 3+ Blackbird into the hypersonic regime (Mach 5+). Advances in spray-on radar absorbent materials may also make the Blackbird nearly as stealthy as the F-35. One journalist noted, “The Blackbird does have the curved, sleek look that newer stealth aircraft are incorporating.”
The only thing missing is the payload. However, this seems to be a minor concern in that the YF-12, an interceptor precursor to the SR-71, was originally designed to carry three AIM-47 missiles. These missiles were over 12-feet long, nearly 3-feet wide, weighing in at 800 pounds each. Incorporating Small Diameter Bombs, the new deep strike Blackbird would have a longer and more lethal range than the F-22.
