When is fast enough, fast enough?

 

"Maybe Elon Musk might have an idea or two. The question remains - when is fast enough, fast enough. Probably not for a long time. We might only be scratching the surface." 

Read a very interesting article the other day. About this very fast-moving technology of ours which involves the designing and manufacturing of cutting-edge jets. Truthfully, we have an embarrassment of riches right now with our 5th generation jets. Plus - upgrading some of our 4th generation jets to make them even better. But this is no time to rest on our laurels - the Russians and the Chinese are also trying to be the pack leader in military aviation. And so, it goes.

Gone are the days of the SR-71, one of the baddest airplanes ever to come out of the Skunk Works. That wonderful jet with its Mach 3.5 speed was way, way ahead of its time. No missile could touch it; most radars could not track it. But today - Mach 3 type flying is no big deal. In fact, the new F-47, which is being built by Boeing, is going to be our first 6th generation jet. Expectations are this new jet will be able to fly at Mach 5. That means it could fly coast to coast in less than an hour. 

Now that is fast - real fast. Being stealthy and having that kind of speed, would make this jet untouchable. But hold on - there is more coming. Rumor has it the Air Force is hard at work designing the first 7th generation jet. I mean, here we are, with loads of 5th generation jets protecting us, and the first 6th generation jets are just starting to be made, and we are on to the next generation? Why?

Speed and stealth. Whomever has the best of those two will rule the skies. And rumor has it, the objectives for this new 7th generation jet will be able to hit Mach 10. Mach 10 and have a radar return smaller than a fly. Not only that, but some of the variations of this jet will be uncrewed. In other words - robot planes. If planes and missiles are not hypersonic in the next decade, they will be of little use.

What is next after this big leap to 7th generation technology? My guess? Planes which will be able to fly in our atmosphere, and also in space. Yes, I think we are that close to having dual purpose planes. Space planes. Maybe Elon Musk might have an idea or two. The question remains - when is fast enough, fast enough. Probably not for a long time. We might only be scratching the surface.