wrightwing wrote:The point is hypersonic ISR/strike on time sensitive targets.
I apologize, obviously I see -the point, by itself I don't see the point.most any adversary can be easily handled by legacy aircraft and modern weapon systems. A more advanced adversary can also be overwhelmed by current and legacy aircraft and weapons systems. The only possible use for this technology is to force specific nations to spend money they don’t have on defensive counters measures they don’t need.
We currently have or soon will have;
F22’s
F-35’s
B-2’s
B-21’s
A half dozen stealthy drones
Cruise missiles, some have ECM, stealth and decoy capability.
Now let’s add some Mach 6+ 100,000’ altitude aircraft that may or may not be armed.
I’m a firm believer in not fighting fair.... looms like we may achieved that in spades.