BLACK PROJECTS (United States), AIRCRAFT - FIXED-WING - MILITARY


DescriptionSome disinformation, and minimal verifiable fact, are available on`black' programmes that have followed the Lockheed U-2, A-12/SR-71 andF-117. Central to almost all reports is secret USAF test site at GroomLake, Nellis range, Nevada. In October 1993, USAF announced intent toseal-off last public land having view over test site complex and lakebed. However, public objections delayed this, but authorisation toproceed eventually obtained in first half of 1995. Data below havebeen gathered from many uncorroborated sources and do not conform toJane's usual standards of accuracy; their reproduction here does notimply that Jane's accepts the existence of all or some of thoseaircraft described below.Much speculation surrounds so-called `Aurora' codename accidentallyrevealed 1985; often linked with Lockheed Martin and most commonlyused by published sources to refer to manned hypersonic vehiclebelieved under flight test from Groom Lake from end of 1980s onwards.Pentagon officials, Congressional sources and Lockheed representativespersistently denied these stories, with former Skunk Works manager BenRich offering explanation that `Aurora' codename referred to B-2funding in autobiography published shortly before his death.Balance of probability indicates existence of hypersonic project ofunknown status and application and not named `Aurora'; press reports,1988, of aircraft under development; linked to Groom Lake test site;reportedly cancelled in 1990, but sonic booms of Mach 3 to 5 aircraft,about 27 m (90 ft) in length and heading towards southern Nevada,tracked by seismological stations since June 1991; radio interceptsreveal operating altitude of at least 20,420 m (67,000 ft) for unknownaircraft near Edwards AFB, April 1992. Deep rumbling/booming enginenoise associated with hypersonic project frequently reported nightflying


The complete article appears in the following publication:
Publication Title Jane's All the World's Aircraft
Publication date Jul 15, 1995
Section AIRCRAFT - FIXED-WING - MILITARY
Publication synopsis Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft sets the standard in aviation reference, providing exhaustive technical detail on over 1000 civil and military aircraft currently being produced or under development by more than 550 companies. Complete with photographs and aircraft line drawings to aid recognition and comparison, this authoritative resource provides you with the ability to evaluate competitors, identify potential buyers, and business partners, and examine aircraft equipment. An unparalleled aviation reference, Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft is available online, on CD-ROM or in print.

Each entry in the guide enables you to check key specifications for any aircraft including dimensions, performance, structure, landing gear, power plants, and armaments. Plus, with details of the worlds aircraft manufacturers and their programmes, you can identify key contracts and customers.

The depth and breadth of information covers
  • Fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft
  • Lighter than air
  • Air-launched missiles
  • Aero-engines
  • First flights
  • Aerospace Calendar
  • Official records
  • International aircraft registration prefixes
  • Propeller technology
Sections covered
  • Aero-Engines
  • Aerospace Calendar
  • Air-Launched Missiles
  • Aircraft - Fixed-Wing - Civil
  • Aircraft - Fixed-Wing - Civil/Military
  • Aircraft - Fixed-Wing - Military
  • Aircraft - Lighter-Than-Air - Civil
  • Aircraft - Lighter-Than-Air - Civil/Military
  • Aircraft - Lighter-Than-Air - Military
  • Aircraft - Manufacturer
  • Aircraft - Rotary-Wing - Civil
  • Aircraft - Rotary-Wing - Civil/Military
  • Aircraft - Rotary-Wing - Military
  • Aircraft - Tilt-Rotor - Civil
  • Aircraft - Tilt-Rotor - Military
  • Aircraft - Tilt-Wing - Civil
  • Aircraft - Tilt-Wing - Military
  • Aircraft - Unclassified
  • Analysis
  • First Flights
  • International Aircraft Registration Prefixes
  • Official Records
  • Private Aircraft
  • Propellers
  • Type Classifications

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