Pentagon releases results of 13,000-mph test flight over Pacific

Re:Pentagon releases results of 13,000-mph test flight over ... by bdunbar on Sunday April 22, 2012 @06:18PM (#3876296)

Disagree: the reasons why the SR-71 was retired, and the U-2 is scheduled for retirement, are not technical but political and fiscal.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pentagon releases results of 13,000-mph test flight over ... by watmough on Sunday April 22, 2012 @10:00PM (#3876861)

I don't really believe that either.

Improved missiles are now able to shoot down the U2, and maybe get close to the SR-71. That makes these planes a liability now, when over developed territories such as the former USSR.

Both were formerly useful, and have been brought out of retirement, when required for tasks that a satellite could not perform, or was not in position for.

I wouldn't be surprised if the x37 mini-spaceplane was primarily useful as a surveillance platform.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pentagon releases results of 13,000-mph test flight over ... by bdunbar on Sunday April 22, 2012 @10:43PM (#3876979)

Improved missiles are now able to shoot down the U2

This has probably been true since at least 1960.

I wouldn't be surprised if the x37 mini-spaceplane was primarily useful as a surveillance platform.

Eh. It takes an Atlas V to launch the X-37.

At 90 million a launch, and months to prep, it's not exactly something one can crank out with a frag order on a day's notice.

[ Parent | on HN ]