Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Darkstar
For SimplePlanes
Country of Origin: United States
Role: Research Aircraft
Crew: 1
Livery: Standard USAF Two-Tone Metallic/Matte Gray
Disclaimer: information is fictional and there are no spoilers for TOPGUN: Maverick.
The Darkstar is a prototype aircraft designed with one main goal: to achieve hypersonic manned flight. However, other than that, not much is known about the Darkstar, including its strategic purpose. It is speculated that it would serve the same role as its predecessor, the SR-71 Blackbird, by conducting reconnaissance operations, using extreme speed and altitude as protection against counterattacks. Others believe that it may be fitted with missiles, lasers, and precision guided munitions to take on a more offensive role. Nonetheless. the true purpose of the Darkstar remains unknown, other than to satisfy the need for speed.
Only one Darkstar is known to be constructed and TOPGUN graduate Pete “Maverick” Mitchell serves as its test pilot. Read more...
Controls
Normal [Throttle]/[Pitch]/[Roll]/[Yaw]/[LandingGear]
- [Throttle = 60% to 65%] Military Power
- [Throttle = 65% to 85%] Afterburner
- [Throttle = 85% to 90%] Full Afterburner
- [Throttle = 90% to 100%] Scramjet
[VTOL] Elevator Trim (Inverted)
[AG1] Lights
Cameras
[Cam1] Left Wing View
[Cam2] Right Wing View
Author's Notes
- Since no reliable blueprints for this aircraft exist, blueprints were not used. The model is mainly based off the Darkstar's appearance in TOPGUN: Maverick, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, and ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN.
- Fuel is unlimited.
- On takeoff from runways, I recommend 0% trim. Get to 500 km/h and pull up, then adjust trim.
- On landing, Use 100% trim and maintain 475 km/h.
- Scramjets require mach 3 (~3700 km/h) and at least 6000 m altitude.
- For mach 10 (~12348 km/h) runs, I recommend taking off and climbing at 20-30 degrees. Then level off at 6000-7000 m and turn on autopilot. Then, maintain level flight. From Wright Airport heading north, you should reach mach 3 between Krakabloa Island and Snowstone Island.
- I strongly advise using autopilot beyond mach 3.
In-Game Name: [RDF] Darkstar
Specifications
Spotlights
- This craft is curated
- TatsuTheOtaku 2.4 years ago
General Characteristics
- Successors 10 airplane(s) +650 bonus
- Created On Windows
- Wingspan 34.7ft (10.6m)
- Length 60.2ft (18.4m)
- Height 13.3ft (4.0m)
- Empty Weight 42,640lbs (19,341kg)
- Loaded Weight 47,995lbs (21,770kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 5.618
- Wing Loading 75.0lbs/ft2 (366.0kg/m2)
- Wing Area 640.3ft2 (59.5m2)
- Drag Points 33
Parts
- Number of Parts 236
- Control Surfaces 4
- Performance Cost 1,183
CAN IT GO MACH 10???????
Hey why don't try simple rockets 2 so people will not lag when they use the game
I added a cockpit to this beast... Try it? Also, @ReinMcDeer, u good with this? I can unpublish it if u want me to...
finally. someone who doesn’t confuse this beast with the SR-72
@AV290 yeah baby!
@qw3rty Strange. Ive been able to do it pretty easily. It does take a while, but it shouldn't feel like its topping out at 8000. I would say submit a video, but if its too much of a hassle, you dont have to
@ReinMcDeer Yes, I followed the guide you recommended at the bottom of the post
@qw3rty Are you at the right altitude for the scramjets to kick in?
I can't get above 8000 km/h
@GAMINGOTAKU66 MACK 12 it's mach 12
This is the best Darkstar! Thanks!
Time to to MACH 10
I DID mack 12
@TheCommentaryGuy I found those after I finished the plane on an X-Planes 11 modding forum as well. I'm guessing the model is ripped from AC7 since it has the laser pods. If I do a darkstar again, I'll use them and see how off I was.
@ReinMcDeer So i got these in Discord
Pic1
Pic2
Pic3
"Gonna Step On The Gas!"
F-35A when
@ReinMcDeer i'm glad that you get it
@FujiwaraAutoShop Lockheed Martin's website page for the Darkstar makes no mention of the designation SR-72.
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In this article, a Lockheed Martin Spokesperson states that the Darkstar shown in the film is not representative of the work actually happening at Lockheed Martin.
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Additionally, the Darkstar is manned while the SR-72 is projected to be a UAV, according to Lockheed Martin as of 2015.
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While it is commonly referred to as SR-72, I have not seen the Darkstar designated SR-72 in neither the film or official statements from Lockheed Martin yet. And I can't think of a reason to reveal your new military tech in a movie? (Then again, this is America...)
AlThOuGh It'S tHe GoVeRnMeNt AnD tHeY'rE oBvIoUsLy HiDiNg SoMeThInG or something.
@ReinMcDeer The Darkstar's entire design is based off of the SR-72, with some small modifications made by Skunk Works to make it look good for the movie. The movie also takes place right before Lockheed-Martin announced that the SR-72 would be put into production, Further adding into the proof that the darkstar IS an SR-72, in it's early stage. At least in it's nature.
@Harder258 @FujiwaraAutoShop It is never referred to SR-72 in the film. The SR-72 is a completely and slightly more real different development.
@FujiwaraAutoShop nope
@Harder258 that's what it is though.
finally someone who doesn't call it SR-72
The darkstar is one of those aircrafts that is so nice to look at. Now it is in simpleplanes so i can actually fly ut