I think the speed is more in regard to the capability to go into space. From what I remember, the SR71 was easily fast enough to go, but the limit was atmosphere (engines). If they could get something into space that could come back as a single unit (needing just a refuel), it could change a lot. Total speculation though, it’s probably just super fast so it can go destroy other humans super good, because that’s super important.
LilDumpy@lemmy.world 5 months ago
Why does it take two years for this plane to warm up before it breaks the sound barrier? Aren’t there planes that already break the sound barrier in minutes/seconds and not take years?
Tylerdurdon@lemmy.world 5 months ago
Munkisquisher@lemmy.nz 5 months ago
It takes lots of chops with an axe to break through
CaptainSpaceman@lemmy.world 5 months ago
The speed of sound is roughly 750mph
This plane goes 4000mph. Thats like Mach 6 right?
grue@lemmy.world 5 months ago
The unclassified record, sure.
CaptainSpaceman@lemmy.world 5 months ago
Can you explain what youre referring to?
grue@lemmy.world 5 months ago
I don’t believe for a second that the Air Force hasn’t built something faster than the SR-71 in forty years, but I do believe they wouldn’t have told us about it.