Top Gun DARKSTAR in Real Life!

Get ready for an up-close look at Darkstar from Top Gun: Maverick! This hypersonic concept aircraft captivated the world, and now it’s time to learn what went into its incredible design.
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Huge thanks to Lockheed Martin and the Skunk Works team for having me out!
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[@SamEckholm]

This aircraft was absolutely incredible to see up close! What questions do you have about Darkstar or hypersonics?

[@mr.crispybacon]

Sam, i dont know if there are any you can find, fly in but can you try to find an OH-58D?

[@carlhass5414]

What was the material used to build the Darkstar prop?

[@deeppurplefan]

It's not an aircraft, its a prop.

[@carlhass5414]

@@deeppurplefan I’m aware of that, I’m just curious to know what material they chose to construct it out of (wood, metal?)

[@six_fours]

I have one question about hypersonics and one about the usaf In general. Do you think that hypersonics could be used in other aircraft types like fighters and cargo? Also, do you think becoming an Air Force pilot a genuinely good career, I know you are enlisted in the Air Force so I think you have a great idea what it is like, I am turning 14 and would love to get some input.

[@diddydnts]

If this is what Skunkworks is putting out there as a Hollywood prop, I wonder what the real deal looks like and what it can do. So cool thanks Sam.

[@prolska]

Movie Name: top gun maverick

[@Lebee211]

I don’t think this is real like it can’t fly

[@taxiway207]

@@Lebee211 the design could fly, but the prop itself can’t

[@taxiway207]

@@brickbrick8292 no I’m not saying there is, I’m saying the darkstar can fly, but there’s not an actual working prototype

[@AMCustomCoasters]

The SR72 concepts look almost idenitical but is an unmanned aircraft. Its supposed to be "in development" which means its probably been operational for 4-5 years now.

[@MrBillsfishin]

My Dad retired from Skunk Works and spent 40 years between them and Northrop. He did work on SR71 with F22 and F35 prototypes being his final projects before retirement. He worked 2nd shift with 1 other person on very classified material towards the end. He also worked on the B2 at Northrop. He would drop subtle hints as to the capabilities of the planes but was incredibly secretive never letting on to anything classified. He would just say the materials he was working with would be public knowledge in approx a couple decades. I really miss talking about planes with him. It was very easy to be proud of him and his service as a Marine and Engineer.

[@jonnyjackson3957]

Wow. So your Dad tell you also about how he helped to murder other people in their OWN country? That's public knowledge too today. Dumb muricans

[@2URLex]

@@constantfind9052 my all time favorite Fighter. I’m an Aircraft Maintenance Tech and that jet did a maneuver known to be impossible in physics at an airshow. It blew my mind at the pilot and jet ability and I bet we didn’t see a speck of it’s true power there.

[@MrBillsfishin]

@@jonnyjackson3957 oh ok so based on your logic anyone that ever worked in a car factory is also a murderer because cars have killed people as well?

[@BilalAhmed-hz2tt]

@@MrBillsfishin But cars aren't made for deadly purposes, they are! what gathered the intel to bomb Vietnam with B52, SR-71.

[@dominiccobre6537]

Your father and i and maybe you , know that the B2 is faster than this fantastic plane due to the MHD. I know that the B2 have got this MHD with the fireball ( your dad knows what i'm talking about...)

[@ceboz]

This is a frickin commercial for LM!

[@brian_sipe]

Basically, yeah.

[@robburns4176]

Product placement indeed. And you could cut the entire sequence out of the movie without changing much of the story.

[@samposyreeni]

Obviously. Just as some of the other videos on-channel are recruitment adds for Raytheon and maybe the Marines or the Air Force. But hey, the money and especially the access needed to make fighter jet level first hand content doesn't come without strings attached. It's either this, or no content at all. Given most of us can well separate the ad from the content, I can't really object to this mode of storytelling.

[@NATES84]

If you can do it your not boasting

[@brian_sipe]

@@NATES84 Firstly, it's you're and secondly, what does this have to do with the comment or any of the replies?

[@keithleistekow7353]

The SR-71 remains an absolute masterpiece in aircraft design and performance. Some years ago I had the amazing experience of interviewing a SR-71 pilot who ended up making an emergency landing in Milwaukee and spending a week at my unit the 440th Airlift Wing (USAFR). He had made a demonstration flight over the Experimental Aviation Association's (Oshkosh, Wisconsin) AirVenture week when the plane developed a fuel-flow problem which eventually led our wing to send a C-130 Hercules to California to pickup a replacement engine. The Blackbird that we hosted was actually then assigned to NASA as a trainer (2-seater). I believe at the time, I was told that only two still exited and were actively still flying. The ironic thing about this whole experience was that I happened to be at the EAA and saw the Blackbird fly by only to get home and be contacted by our security forces informing me and our public affairs office that the plane had landed and was being parked in our fuel cell hangar. "The Batmobile in the Bat Cave" - that was my initial impression when I first laid eyes on the aircraft through hangar door - totally badass. Engine runup - Milwaukee's airport had to close one of its runways to allow the pilot to test the new engine. Typically the plane is strapped down during an engine test but instead the pilot deferred to using full-brakes ;) Chance of a lifetime.

[@mycroft16]

The fact that they actually contracted with Skunk Works to design and build the thing just makes it so much cooler. No wonder it looked so legitimately possible in the film. And they clearly consulted for the CG work as well as to what its flight characteristics would be and what it would look like to sit in it at that speed. The folks at SW build phenomenally amazing hardware. Can't wait to see what they've been dreaming up and building for the past 10, 20 years in the dark.

[@hb-ol9oc]

I hope the real one have a front window so the pilot doesn´t fly blind to what is in front of him.

[@mycroft16]

@@hb-ol9oc At those speeds, seeing what is in front of you isn't helpful. By the time it is close enough for you to see, you've blown past it.

[@spenaroo]

@@hb-ol9oc Spirit of st Luis, had no front window. And most taildraggers have little forward visibility on the ground. Vision out the front isnt really necessary.

[@chikato7106]

They contracted Daniel Simon and he got feedback from Lockheed, not the other way around.

[@borntoclimb7116]

remind me on the SR72 concept

[@mothmagic1]

The shape is the SR 71 carried to the extreme. I love the Skunk Works for their innovative ideas. He talks with such enthusiasm and authority you actually believe that if they haven't yet they can and will build a hypersonic aircraft though whether anyone will be able to afford it for their air force is another matter.

[@dallasyap3064]

Just listening to Brian talking about Darkstar is already so cool. He can't even contain his excitement when he said "Guess what scramjet does" and "Can u imagine lighting a match in a hurricane & keeping it lit? Thats what this does." He's really passionate and really loves his job, and by his reaction is more than happy to share his work with others. Also love the fact that they place the Blackbird & Darkstar next to each other, both are such beautiful planes. Great video Sam!

[@user-pn3im5sm7k]

The Skunkworks guest answered these questions in the best way possible without revealing any of the important details for a Chinese or Russian spy that happens to be watching 😂

[@Vikinize6800]

@Commando Jessica 😂 capture'd them i have

[@j121212100]

this jet mislead them in everyway you can be sure.

[@tomarnold7284]

It is the best way to cover the truth - "We're making a movie!" 😂

[@TTOS69]

It's not a real plane....

[@haparcheledupwar]

XI JING PIG and bunch of aH0les CCPPPPPP guys: we want to copy that as well, ready the USB. LOL

[@WayneWatson1]

Looks like a modern SR71 Being in the air force in the 80s, I got to meet and briefly speak to a sr71 pilot when they had to land where I was stationed and he said something to me about the actual speed they had reached. I was like that's so cool. Loved getting to see it in person

[@inspirednaija7204]

The Dark star looks amazing but I'm still blown away every time by the SR-71

[@kevinm3751]

I had the fortune of seeing the SR71 take off and land when I was stationed on Okinawa. It really was a sight to see watching this beast take off and it was surprising how much runway it took to get off the ground given how much power those engines produce. It literally took the entire runway at Kadena to get off the ground but once air born it would turn vertical and went almost straight up and was out of sight in less than 20 seconds once it did!

[@ninthcloud6331]

You didn't actually see that, remember Kevin? You hit your head in Okinawa and I took you to the hospital. While you were unconscious the nurse came in talking about her husband watching the plane take-off. To this day, you still believe that was you out there on the runway. I can't believe you're still telling that story Kevin.

[@MasterMayhem78]

My grandfather was part of the SR71 program at Beale AFB in California. I had the pleasure of seeing this aircraft fly many times. Also as a child I spent a lot of time sitting in the hanger with the SR71 (within 15 feet of it) while it was being prepped for flight. My grandfather was very proud of this aircraft and loved to bring me to work with him. I just wish I was a bit older to appreciate the scope of what I was experiencing. I can still see it in my mind as clear as day.

[@L0neStars]

Was it louder than fighter jets/Concorde?

[@joeracer302]

I imagine an airframe designed for aerodynamics of higher Mach speed like SR71 is probably shit at low speed velocities. Source: I’ve played a lot of Kerbal lol

[@jaymesnin]

@@ninthcloud6331 🤣🤣🤣

[@atefelabed8365]

These aircraft are such a testament to engineers and it's mind-boggling how much attention to detail goes into them. I never get bored of watching videos about the SR71 it's such an epic machine and to know that it was developed in the 50s is even more astonishing.

[@bradleybatt1401]

Same. Childhood hero that aircraft. It's like the engine controls, how basic they are but how incredibly clever they are when they were built.

[@Angry.General1461]

They could have added more glass towards the front of the cockpit of the Darkstar. You can't even see straight forward!

[@snteevveetns]

Designed w slide rules!

[@iitzfizz]

@@Angry.General1461 You fly it by instruments.

[@edenberguesurf]

o relógio mundial Anahi vai subir #weimar 9elemento de 2elemento Lima DJ orangotango bem com

[@edjarrett3164]

Great video Sam. I spent two years as a Blackbird cadet in the 70’s. I’ve always been intrigued with Skunkworks. There’s probably numerous prototypes that the public has never seen. I spent six years refueling the SR-71 and it was an awesome mission and team. It’s hard to believe the technology designed into this aircraft was from the 60’s. With all things GPS today, this aircraft had a navigation astral tracker to maintain tight navigation standards. Essentially it was a computer using star positions to accurately track position. Doubt there are many aircraft using that technology today in lieu of the ubiquitous GPS.

[@SamEckholm]

That's awesome to hear! I bet you have lots of amazing stories.

[@UltimateEntity]

Or is it? Vsauce music start rolling

[@darrelldixon8056]

The KC-135 Air Refueling Tankers I worked on also had a Sextant for navigation. A small port on the top of the fuselage where the Navigator would insert the Sextant and use it for navigation. The KC-135 also had Magnetic and Gyroscopic compass systems. Some of the Guidence and Control systems still used Vacuum Tubes.

[@studuerson2548]

Sextant port was great for launching hard boiled eggs.

[@darrelldixon8056]

@@studuerson2548 Never heard about that. I once had to help Troubleshoot an air leak at the port reported during flight. When asked if I had any sinus congestion I denied that I did. They pressurized the fuselage to identify the leak, and I thought my head was going to explode due to the pressure!

[@ryankillpatrick]

I love the excitement in the voices of the smart guys who get to talk about their smart stuff!!! Bryan seemed like he was ready to go airborne with the energy of what he gets to tell and work with! I could feel it too!

[@admcstabby]

I absolutely love how excited Brian was to present this aircraft.

[@calvinallan2208]

"A scram jet works like lighting a match stick in a hurricane" That's an excellent way to simply describe it

[@adityavai]

Something tells me that Darkstar might be USAF's way of showing off, since its clearly closer to reality than what these guys would like to say on record. What struck me the most was their iterative design sketchpad had a lot of designs which look pretty close to what Aurora believers have been saying. Obviously at the end of the day if they built the SR 71 back in 60s, technology just couldnt have take a back seat without any progress. Its a pitty such marvels of science and engineering stay shrouded in the darkness of secrecy in National interest but these are also things which inpire and motivate the next generation of innovators and engineers. The SR 71 is still any aviation enthusiasts drool aircraft.

[@adityavai]

Btw another funfact is that the UK Aurora reports named the Aurora aircrafts using call signs Darskstar November & Darkstar Mike. Now its for us to wonder if thats Hollywood research effectiveness or a sneaky way of saying "You heard em right lads!"

[@Waynesification]

NASA had an unmanned test vehicle which was mach 9.6 with that record, a long time ago. It's possible. One of the design concepts is to convert the air to a plasma before it gets to the craft. What people don't realise, is that is one step away from making the plasma electromagnetically controllable, swimming through it. If it wasn't for the familiar tic tac design (and the earlier triangle) that would be the way to go.

[@Jordan-vr7ip]

@@Waynesification yes the x43, looks very similar to what Aurora is described

[@hnacs8117]

I guess that's why KZbinrs are invited to to see and talk about these jets, to inspire the next gen of engineers, pilots, general purpose personnel, etc.

[@Casey-ov2hx]

I love how passionate the engineer is

[@foxtrotalphaaviation]

Great episode Sam, another incredible video Sam, from a huge SR-71 Blackbird fan! Sure wish we could see one fly at an airshow just one more time.

[@EGoRBHD130]

I'm not from the USA, but I am fascinated with almost all American Military Vehicles. Love watching your videos.

[@suprarcjpop545]

Then check out the Russians as some were far better

[@erwina4738]

@@suprarcjpop545 Most of Russian military equipment doesnt compare to the US. Look at what’s going on in Ukraine 😂😂

[@andhkasur]

@@erwina4738 Propaganda is going on in Ukraine there are British special forces there who are commanding Ukrainian forces against Russia

[@codysmith8639]

@@andhkasur 3 days to Kiev? How’d that work out for you?

[@Cleon851]

@@andhkasur The US is leading Ukrainian forces and slaughtering thousands of Russian teenagers hahaah. Usa dominates Russia

[@saberline152]

SR-71 was the last airplan to be fully designed with a sliderule and it's still the record holder, damn

[@AlexFeCity46]

The MiG-25P holds the absolute record for flight altitude and it caught up with it. To create it , it took a slide rule and titanium .

[@Cleon851]

@@AlexFeCity46 difference is Migs are garbage

[@Angry.General1461]

They could have added more glass towards the front of the cockpit of the Darkstar. You can't even see straight forward!

[@kleeblattchen38]

@@Angry.General1461 did you even listen to what they talked about? 😂 obviously there reasons to why hypersonic test vehicles upon till now haven’t featured prominent windows at the very front (the mentioned nasa aircraft or also even the space shuttle for example)… that’s because the front tip is subject to massive aerodynamic pressure and heat of course and it may be just easier and safer to use digital visualization in the cockpit for the pilot (sort of vr goggles or displays) instead of working out how to place some sort of transparent window elements there…

[@Angry.General1461]

@@kleeblattchen38 you obviously didn't see the movie! There was no digital visualization! You just wasted your time typing nothing but a load of crap!😂😂😂

[@fatherknozebest]

Amazing! This is close to my heart because my father was a welder at Lockheed in the late 1950's and into the mid 1960's. I was born in Torrance and we lived in Manhattan Beach during this most of these years. Burbank too. How can I get a collared shirt like yours sir? I remember my father telling me they were welding together a jet that would fly from LA to NY in less than 2 hours. I was only 5 years old and I'm 65 now! I also remember the excitement in his voice to this day! God Bless you and God Bless America!

[@michaelthompson9540]

I love how excited he is explaining everything. This is a man who loves his work.

[@dh6167]

Brian is so proud of that "air craft". His passion is fun to watch.

[@SamEckholm]

He is awesome!

[@bala8oo]

Still find the design of the SR71 absolutely amazing, there’s been nothing like it until this, built in the 60’s is mind boggling

[@suprarcjpop545]

This isnt a plane it is a movie prop

[@MROIY]

bala8oo and to think there are people that doubt the concentrated efforts of rocket propulsion systems orbiting during that time as well. It’s like, how do you think you get communication satellites feeds today? Duh.

[@iconofsin5886]

For even more perspective they built it without computers.

[@JayGillyon]

@Icon Of Sin of course they used computers, human and transistor logic

[@sjion]

@@iconofsin5886 that's right, slide rule technology! 👌

[@StarGateSG7]

I'm pretty sure I could get this mockup to fly with a few changes. I would upscale the design by doubling its size and getting rid of those long box-like intakes and exhausts and pretty much cutting and pasting the F22 tail onto it and change the front air intakes to a shape and configuration similar to the B2 Bomber on the upper hull for faster airflows! The vertical stabilizers I would cant inwards OR outwards depending on my airflow simulations. i.e. Much like the F-19 Testor model! I have an in-house build for the Turbojet engines I designed which are 70,000 lbs of thrust EACH and I can easily mix some high-bypass-flow scramjet technology for Mach 5+ operations. I can CNC machine from CATIA those engines in about two days on our in-house CNC gear out of Titanium Alloy and then vacuum-sputter-coat with Thick-Film Sapphire (i.e. a Corundum) for high heat protection. And YES I would actually use simple Propane stored at 600 PSI for the main Turbojet fuel rather than JP7, Liquid Methane or Boranes (i.e. ZIP-fuel)! Propane is faaaaaar easier to handle and has a LOT of energy in it! We can EASILY use tubular polymer-composite or carbon-fibre tanks to keep it stored at high pressure and I can stuff enough of it inside the aircraft that I can fly for a few hours with no issue! For the main hull body, I would call it a day and build it using automotive-industry Hydroforming Technology out of relatively inexpensive quarter-inch thick 7075-T6 Aluminum and coat the inside and outside of the metal hull with a thick-film Corundum ceramic AND then coat inside and out with a half-inch thick layer of Corundum-nanoball-infused version of Line-X-brand Truck Bed liner (aka nanoball-infused Polyurethane) which acts as both a STEALTHY anti-RADAR coating AND can still protect up to around 2200 Celcius when properly treated! The thick Line-X coating will ablate at a KNOWN RATE at hypersonic speeds and high atmospheric friction heating and can EASILY AND CHEAPLY be re-surfaced after any given flight when needed! I would use real-time sub-millisecond hard-interupt flight-control and avionics-oriented Linux operating system with our custom-coded inhouse software which is good for aerospace craft up to 160,000 KMH (100,000 mph) since the software we designed can operate at 10,000 fps at DCI-4K/DCI-8K resolutions on IR/RGB/RADAR/LIDAR imaging for collision avoidance and all-attitude 3D-XYZ flight envelope control. Cockpit would be fully glass touchscreen with a simple F18-like joystick control but WITHOUT all the buttons! Just one single ultra-wide-screen ruggedized 8K resolution display for all gauges and indicators and a simplified heads-up display! I would STILL do a single-piece forward-facing cockpit window but use a thick sheet of Sapphire which is nowadays pretty easy to grow in one piece! It can easily take 2200 Celcius worth of aerodynamic friction heating! Gimme six months to build it and then I can test fly it for real! V

[@rishabsreekanth1724]

Who ru man

[@StarGateSG7]

@@rishabsreekanth1724 Who am I? I'm guy who has access to and rides as a JAFO in a big deep black 148,000 lbs triangular SSTO floating effortlessly above the ground in our secretive YVR hangar! We mooned the U.S. triangular TSTO spaceplane who couldn't see us from even 500 metres away AND we we mooned those pesky tall thin pasty-whitish aliens who looked at us like we were insane! Touche! V

[@KnowKam0]

A330's Thrust Reverser Mystery Solved: The The Innovative Design Magic of Blocker Doors! #shorts Link - kzbin.infoTF1TDgkeinU?feature=share

[@rlb2creations868]

While stationed at Edwards AFB (86-89), I had the privilege of seeing the SR-71 many times and having her do fly-bys at the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). What a beautiful plane!

[@redcapote4760]

From 88-92, I lived on Beale, the main base for the SR-71. I was just a kid, but it was a magical base with magical creatures sleeping in closed hangars.

[@ddc163264]

As a USAF crew chief, it was indescribable to work on the SR-71 as even an assistant. The special tools & training were beyond interesting to me. Darkstar WILL happen one day, if the Skunkworks has anything to do with or say about it.

[@gilesellis8002]

Check out the Canadian Avro Arrow CF - 105, US and Canadian Dogs Dinner 1950's

[@Angry.General1461]

They could have added more glass towards the front of the cockpit of the Dark Star. You can't even see straight forward!

[@Skrenja]

*If it hasn't happened already and is just super secret.

[@ddc163264]

@@Skrenja I agree. I wouldn't know currently as my access is long since past. But there were some very interesting projects that were in the works that sounded intriguing, before & just after I didn't have that access. It's just that most of what's done now is through satellites. Not risking manned flights.

[@state.ofmind]

you were right

[@Freakingbean]

This guy loves what he does and radiates good vibes. I'm just glad he's on our side.

[@Ls98040]

I worked on the B2 bomber in 1986 at Northrop in Pico Rivera, and before that Marquardt Jet Laboratory on the National Aerospace Plane. The issue with supersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets) is the inlet geometry has to change from takeoff to accelerate the airflow from standard jet speeds to the Mach 5 cruise speed and there has to be flameholding technology inside the scramjet so that the combustion is maintained even at tremendous speed. The stealth technology around the B-2 was fascinating, everything from chemically suppressing the contrails to the radar-absorbent coating on the fuselage, but the NASP inlet and combustion technology was so advanced using computational fluid dynamics that I loved working on the briefing slides for when the government program managers came through. Incidentally, Lockheed doesn't have a monopoly on scramjet technology. Marquardt had been working on it supersonic test cells at Van Nuys since the '50s.

[@thetruebatman4632]

All of us Texans are so proud to have Lockheed Martin in our home, and it’s such a massive property (a small city) that most of us know someone that works there. All 4 friends of mine that work in mechanics and administration say that the Skunkworks locations are treated like area 51 and the guys with Skunkworks shirts and hats are cool as hell and love their job. Lockheed gave us the power of complete air dominance with the F22 and F35, they’re happy to show us what they cooked up in a few months for a movie; just imagine what they’re working on now.

[@neomaster8739]

They are at another level that we can't imagine, a complete future is ready which is not disclosed

[@Lost_Hwasal]

Pretty sure that is antelope valley, not ft worth. Hangars look like Edwards and plant 42.

[@mpauls85]

I would imagine that most meetings at Lockeed Martin for the Darkstar project revolved around what NOT to put into this design.

[@markshilobrit9756]

Great Video! I have been following "Dark Aircraft" development and prototypes since I was a kid going back to the '60s. When I saw the Darkstar in TG Maverick ,I was blown away by the design and especially the attention to detail. Especially inside the cockpit with the displays and controls. Was any of that in the model during its visit to Edwards. I'll bet not. Also were some of the external lights, nav lights strobes, taxi, and landing lights operational!?! Thanks in advance for any notes you may have. Cheers, Mark

[@mnminnmn]

i remember seeing the stealth 117a at dobbins AFB in marietta GA in the 90s. surprised it was at their air show back then! was insane to see in person

[@luwood9965]

I do miss Edwards AFB. There was so much incredible technology there, and every day on the flightline was an air show. I spent a lot of my spare time off duty helping the Flight Test Center Museum take care of the many aircraft around the area, including that very SR-71. It is great to see it back on the line for display during the show.

[@CoalPoggers]

If this exists, then something like this is going underway secretly

[@apex_blue]

Look up the sr-72 the son of the blackbird

[@blitzkrieg9676]

@@apex_blue thats just a concept

[@DamplyDoo]

This is like 1980s tech

[@apex_blue]

@@blitzkrieg9676 nope, the airforce is just very secretive about it.

[@zenixark]

@@blitzkrieg9676 he's right, the SR-72 has been in development and has been posted on the official USAF site back in 2007 (i think?) before they took it down after russia announced the Kinzhal in 2018

[@lfuego68]

Just came across your video and I gotta tell you. Very well put together. Informative, to the point and very interesting throughout the whole video. No skipping nor "next!" . Kudos.

[@toobasaurus23]

This is an incredible insight on the possibilities of Mach 9+ aircraft. Well done!

[@harrisonc9095]

Such a classy, professional and engaging presenter Sam, your videos are such a pleasure to watch. Can't wait for what's to come.

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks so much!

[@fanBladeOne]

Really enjoyed the positive vibe throughout the video. You not only gave us a peek behind TGM but also showed us the amazing kind of people working at Skunkworks. Thank you, Sam.

[@joso5554]

The SR-71 and Concorde are undoubtedly two of the few greatest achievements of aviation, not as one-time record breaking experiments but as long lasting, reliable high performance aircraft of a unique kind. Given that they were designed over 60 years ago, remained operational for 30+ years, and nothing even close existed since, it is really outstanding. Aerospace engineering has made many improvements since then, but those only highlight their greatness. And most importantly, the incredible boldness and talent of those who designed them with the tools and methods then available. Really unbelievable.

[@plastique45]

This channel is soooo underrate, it deserves 10x the subscribers.

[@darylniewald1624]

I used to process the reconnaissance film off the SR-71A. The OBC (optical bar camera) had a roll of film that was 5 inches wide and 2 miles long. It would take hours to process and if it was a color roll even longer! Got to sit in the cockpit several times and it was way cool 😎 And yes it does leak like a sieve sitting on the ground but once up to speed it expands from the heat and seals up tight

[@shellracer3189]

That's so cool! would love to hear more

[@wkcreasman]

My instructor at tech school had a friend that caught fire from stomping the bubbles in the fuel that leaked onto the ground smh

[@gabmano4877]

I've always thought of the SR-71 as the most expensive camera in the history of humanity,comes with wings😁😁😁

[@georgefaulk2528]

@@wkcreasman My cousin's second removed from his aunt's sister on my fathers side related to John Glen's 4th uncle was a pilot for the SR 71. What does that make me? NOTHING!!!!

[@chrisiman2406]

That's cool. I used to guard them. And have seen the films at the photo interpretation lab. Quite clear at such altitude.

[@starhawke380]

Listening to Brian talk about the Darkstar was fun. Its great to see someone so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a subject. Makes the interview much more fun to watch.

[@asturiancetorix2552]

It was nuts that those people at Skun Works developed the SR-71, that thing is an aviation milestone. Keep up the good work.

[@rbmwiv]

I had the pleasure of seeing a SR71 in an air show in the early 80s. That air show had me hooked. Also going to the beach as a kid there was a base 10 miles away and the A10s would come right over the ocean low and you could see the pilots in there that’s how low they were. Now all you see are the osprey. They are loud and never fly low like the jets did.

[@chucknagel543]

I was lucky enough to be a part of the final Inspector General team to review the SR-71 program at Beale AFB in California in 1989. It's hard to describe the engine starts and how much it actually leaks due to the design of a fuel system that expands at altitude and seal the leaks with heat generated by friction! That JP-7 fuel felt like kerosene, it's so thick...not to mention a crazy high flash point to withstand the heat when going Mach-3. I was sad when they retired it, but I always knew a replacement was on the way!!!

[@redcapote4760]

I lived on Beale from 88-92.

[@nitroxylictv]

Im willing to bet they have a few still in service that we dont know about

[@renesagastume4890]

Great video as usual Sam! Such a cool plane and a really cool glimpse into the future of aviation. Really cool that Skunkworks was so involved in this project. When I saw the Skunk on Darkstar's tail I couldn't stop smiling; really cool detail. Also so cool to see Darkstar's older brother, the Black Bird SR-71 right beside it.

[@noahmagcalas7625]

I got to see the sr-71 and the darkstar together at edwards afb AirShow. So much fun seeing this aircraft in person. Was also in ktla 5 news in the back lol. Otherwise best aircraft I’ve seen so far

[@lcmlcm2460]

Great that this guy talks on camera about this. Pretty awesome THANKS

[@FrickenAwesomeCars]

You mentioned that the blackbird was one of your favorites and I find it really cool as my grandpa was the head of thermodynamic engineering on the SR-71 and he’ll just be casually explaining all the little secrets that the public doesn’t even really know

[@mrohloff1]

I bet the Darkstar project is real, and in order to keep foreign adversaries from picking up on it, they made this project look like a movie prop to throw off the scent as it were. Pun not intended.

[@justinhobart8747]

☝️😉 Oh but they did pick up on it, they all thought the Dark Star project was a real project, there spy satellites picked it all up and they all started scrambling to try figure out how to keep up with the Americans and Skunk Works, thinking that we had developed a new advanced spy plane... 😉👍 True story!

[@th3_pl3b]

This aged well 😂

[@mirglaw]

I go to the museum of flight in Seattle Washington and they have a SR-71 blackbird and a cockpit of the same plane on display. The SR-71 blackbird makes me smile every time I see it. :)

[@VJLeoGP]

Thank you Skunkworks, thank you.

[@MROIY]

Also, big props to Lockheed Martin’s public speaking instructor for teaching the VP and other upper level management extraordinary well. Their inflection and delivery in this video is also very impressive.

[@005AGIMA]

What I loved about seeing this in the movie, is it felt futuristic and yet Retro, as it looks so much like the mystical F19 stealth concept from the 80s. Hence it too, to me, felt like a nod to the period.

[@lesevesel2898]

Thanks for an amazing video on the most iconic aircraft in cinema history, well, other than the Millenium Falcon. Sure 'preciate how much fun you had making this truly educational and entertaining video.

[@stevelee4653]

amazing aircraft, the design is awesome!!!!

[@augl2702]

Great episode, Sam. I got to attend the Aerospace Valley Airshow at Edwards Airforce Base this year. It was amazing to see the Darkstar in person, along with the SR-71. It was also my first time having the chance to see one in person. It was great. The other displayed aircraft were also amazing. The Northrop Grumman Stargazer, NASA's SOFIA and so many more. thanks for the upload, and all your hard work.

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks so much!

[@californiasurvival8271]

I was there as well What an amazing show

[@andrewadamian1834]

I was there too. Was such an awesome experience for me as well. Cant wait for the next Airshow.

[@captntread8472]

I love how both of the skunk works guys were so into what they do, that's the kind of attitude that gets things done and brings us into the future!

[@suelenezanelaesilva7881]

Incrível 😍👍🏽 top gun é demais 😍 amei o vídeo ❤👏🏽

[@matthewclark8120]

this is an increadible video im geeking out already shoutout to sam!! for implementing this video!!

[@FulltimingBrinkley3950]

Sam, I absolutely LOVE your videos!! This has by far been one of the most exciting ones yet, and I’m sure it was for you as well. It makes you think that even though this is just “movie magic” that it actually could be in development. Every idea comes from something factual or in existence. If you could do a more in depth video on the SR-71, that would be great! And, are you still in the Air Force? Thanks again!!

[@GM8101PHX]

I was able to be up close and personal with the SR-71 back in 1980. One came to our airshow at Fairchild AFB in Washington state. I was part of the 92d Security Police Squadron and a non-commissioned officer E-5. I was picked by my shift commander to secure the aircraft in the hanger and was given permission to pick an airman to be with me. We were told some things about the aircraft that I am sure was and still is Top Secret. Our classification was temporarily moved to top secret and the two man crew let us know things that we had no need to know. However it was and is the integrity that enabled us to keep our mouths shut and still are. We were like two kids in a candy store with a blank check. Thanks Sam for the look of the Dark Star and to see the Skunk on the vertical stabilizer was a give away about what the aircraft will do someday.

[@Anzac1]

@@GM8101PHX wow, thats insane. The SR-71 is my favorite plane

[@stryk3r]

i love that Skunkworks finally got some recognition for all their hard work and dedication

[@Gdayhomie]

I never got to see an SR-71 fly, but my local air museum has one on display and its their crown jewel. My brother had the privilege of guarding the Darkstar while it was on display. I even have a picture of him with it

[@Shreadington]

That was an AWESOME opening to the movie. Very interesting stuff!

[@RedlinerSeven]

One of Kelly Johnson's Hush Hush Rules for Skunk Works was: "Don't do business with the Navy" so there's no way Dark Star would've been a Navy plane, lol.

[@vedanttiwari4013]

Bro this is the most coolest aircraft on earth..........wanna be a fighter pilot

[@Doggeslife]

It's doesn't exist.

[@operationcoop]

@@Doggeslife He knows it doesnt exist 🤓💀💀

[@W4LK23]

@@Doggeslife it will some day just wait kid

[@Doggeslife]

@@W4LK23 Kid. Nice. Been into this sht over 6 decades now. Even worked at NASA/Ames for awhile. Just looking at this tells me it could never survive mach 10 flight. Just a Hollywood movie prop, fantasy like the mach-6 MIG in "FIREFOX". Over 3 decades since "Project Aurora" was rumored, and still waiting. But many prototypes never made it into production and it's existence was never verified, so I may wait forever. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_(aircraft) No doubt we have far more advanced stuff in black programs today, but they may only be revealing in a world war 3 situation. So pray or hope we never see one of these in operation because it's a far more deadly world today as far as weapons go, as Putin has learned.

[@FearUniverse]

@@Doggeslife You do know that wikipedia lies a lot? They say the aircraft didnt exist just to get your mind off of it. But there were many eye witnesses who have seen/heard this aircraft in the 80s and 90s. Theres even a video of it, it's called "sr-91 aurora - does it exist? - documentary"

[@OldManPaxusYT]

SOOOO beaudiful and i *_LOVE_* that it is based on the Blackbird, which has _ALWAYS_ been the MOST BEAUTIFUL of them all, to me!

[@brianv1988]

The fact that they build a full size prop for such a small part of the movie it's just crazy probably could have made it with computer graphics but what's the fun in that. I'm pretty sure there's more reasons for them to build it full-size and as realistic as possible and not just for the movie

[@stephenhodges2349]

Anyone legitimately impressed with this guy's responses and enthusiasm? He should be head of Lockheed's PR.

[@DarrenEdwardsAviation]

Awesome video Sam, bet they were so impressive to see up close.

[@SamEckholm]

Very!

[@AlexDuWaldt]

A very interesting topic for sure! This had me thinking, if Hypersonic Missiles are that fast, and that unpredictable then how can you shoot it down even if you're in a Jet that's going Mach 5? Any projectile you shoot is going to also have to keep that same speed, so why have a manned aircraft? Could the operator simply crash the airplane into the missile? Would it be able to cross trajectories at those speeds? Or catch up from behind? I imagine that if you could in-fact create a projectile that would jettison from the Hypersonic vehicle and use telemetry and the location/ velocity of the manned aircraft to boost into an intercept trajectory to crash into the enemy missile and kill it. Glad I bought stock in Lockheed : )

[@Raees-Divitiae]

You have to love the passion shown in this. I admire the love it took.

[@dwonnasargent4406]

This real

[@keith_jones]

Great video now that I finally managed to watch it. The quality is always great with your work. To say that machining titanium is difficult shows the propensity for understatement that they have at Skunkworks. I deal with the alloy every day making parts for testing equipment. There have been heard sotto voce curses coming from my general direction more than once.

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Wow Sam! This looks like an amazing plane to see in real life! 🎉 Wow 🤩 I am amazed that the concept aircraft actually exists…

[@THELIFEOFPRICE]

Great video and loved the two guys you talked with they were excellent as well

[@josephmelendez2243]

BEN RICH (EX vice president of Skunk works): " We have the technology to go to stars, but they are in dark projects"

[@harold-e-acc]

I wish I was an aerospace engineer 😔 would’ve loved working at Lockheed Martin. Imagine the top secret credentials and NDAs employees are required to sign. It’s kickass. The only other thing is, since I consider Lockheed Martin part of big tech, they need to also diversify and engage in developing technologies like the ones Neuralink is involved in and it’s also needed anyway if long term space exploration is the goal.

[@funeo618]

Thanks for watching and commenting ❤️ you have been randomly selected from comments as winners of today's giveaway hit me up via the digit's above to claim your prize 🎁..

[@Mr_Roomba_]

Omg a bot

[@caseypayne5138]

"diversify and engage in developing technologies" You mean like what they've already been doing for over half a century now? Where do you think AI, Digital readouts, microcomputers, velcro, LCD screens, stealth, radar, and a million other things came from?

[@TexasBulldog74]

Saw this in person at the Edwards AFB Airshow. It was a whole hell of a lot smaller than I thought it was.

[@GW4PCITY]

I flew from SF to NY in 20mins on flight simulator using this jet. It honestly makes the game more badass.

[@maynard0643]

Great video! Always had an interest in the SR71 U2 and F117. Recently finished reading Ben Rich's book on Skunk Works, which was fascinating.

[@Geo20151]

Amazing video. Its just a nice touch that they did go the extra mile to make the Darkstar a somewhat realistic aircraft (even to involve Skunkworks) instead of just mocking something up.

[@ashwinparameshwara]

@sam eckholm, that was a wonderful session and your questions and preparations for taking this episode is just so professional.. great 👍 work out there.. keep it up.. Regards from India...

[@Santoroz]

The fact you got this interview, made me subscribe. Fun interview and well done.

[@clarencehopkins7832]

Excellent stuff bro

[@carlmclelland7624]

OK, Sam, quite an interesting presentation. As for the movie, I was amazed at how close 'Darkstar' is to my iteration of Aurora. Did/does Aurora exist? I believe so, although it'll forever be classified. If you're interested, and you said at the end of this video..., leave your comments below.' I've got 200,000+ words of comments: just read my two books, AURORA: the Ultimate Spyplane and AURORA: Journey to ALMAZ3. Both books are fiction since I cannot prove my design existed, but in a story format, I take the reader through development and operational use of the Aurora SPR1 through SPR4 series aircraft. (SPR - Strategic Piloted Reconnaissance, model 1 thru 4). In the books I also define and explain how SCRAMs work, and the technology to achieve hyper-Mach speed, such as "Waverider," and "Eddy Currents." Enjoy the read, and I enjoyed your channel. You've earned my subscription... Carl

[@carlmclelland7624]

@@inzane1260 I'm glad you enjoyed the books. I just updated my youtube profile with my email address. If you want to discuss this more, send me a note. Another book I wrote that involves the Skunkworks, Dreamland, Have Blue, F-117, and Aurora, is "The Indomitable Patriot: Next Generation." (Patriot is a 12 volume series on the OSS. CIA, WWII Pacific theater operations, guerrilla, submarine and aviation action). Thank you for your comments.... Carl

[@Rogue428]

Hey, you just got yourself a couple of sales. I look forward to reading.

[@carlmclelland7624]

@@Rogue428 Thanks, Michael, I hope you enjoy the books. Check the email address for your channel for more.... Carl

[@funeo618]

Thanks for watching and commenting ❤️ you have been randomly selected from comments as winners of today's giveaway hit me up via the digit's above to claim your prize 🎁....

[@darrylmuse9948]

Said the same thing when I saw it the Aurora project

[@nanderiselepicureo8796]

Excelente Canal Sam, felicitaciones y continua con tu trabajo y tu entusiasmo!

[@bakarkechkhuashvili6488]

Just imagine so much time and effort went to the prop, which appeared on the screen just for first few minutes. Awesome.

[@user-yu5qs2ii7u]

Another great video. I found myself asking the same questions that Sam asked. Skunk Works and Disney engineers should do a project together.

[@casacasablanca7026]

They should make it flyable and go fast

[@WilsonLove.]

Wow Sam! This is so cool thanks for always making something original, that is always exceeding expectations. Nice work

[@SamEckholm]

Thanks a ton!

[@kparsa1]

This belongs in a museum:) I would love to take a picture with his gorgeous jet.

[@SarcastHandleNotAvailable]

I would pay to live in the Skunkworks and just roam around, listen to the discussions, watch how people invent cool new stuff, I have zero knowledge that would be useful there but just out of curiosity and love for flying and I just realized this sounds like applying for a spy job :D :D I'm like a kid in a candy store!

[@eldonbogs]

Looking at this and thinking of the g's that it's subject to, makes me realize the natural progression into hypersonic speed will mean a disk shaped aircraft (the strongest shape to withstand g's without critical failure) I guess ET figured that out too!

[@johnboysssss]

in the late sixty's i guarded a SR-71. it was like a wonder to me how it flew especially when you looked through the rear of the engine . i was expecting to see a regular jet engine but none was seen.

[@edutaimentcartoys]

awesome, i love top gun: maverick

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I love how much influence there is from the SR-71 next to it in the design...

[@mucky8737]

I have a question, but if you can will you ever have a chance to go on the Apache AH-64 D?

[@mistertbone8352]

He already did but there is no video of it yet, if you want to see some pics you can go to his instagram

[@mucky8737]

@@mistertbone8352 Oh okay!