US sets its sights on world's first hydrogen-fueled hypersonic jet that could fly 12 times the speed of sound
Published on Nov 27, 2025 at 2:58 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Nov 26, 2025 at 8:04 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
The United States has set its sights on creating the world’s first hydrogen-fueled hypersonic jet airplane, which could fly at up to 12 times the speed of sound, or Mach 12.
Nearly 30 years since its retirement, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is still the world’s fastest conventional airplane, with a top speed of over Mach 3.
Since then, there has been a quest to create a hypersonic aircraft, flying at speeds of up to Mach 12, with hydrogen-powered scramjets potentially being the source of power.
A company at the heart of this is Hypersonix Launch Systems, a Brisbane-based company working with the US defense departments and NASA to make a hypersonic aircraft.
DISCOVER OUR SUPERCAR AUCTION SITE – View live auctions on SBX Cars
What we know about the hydrogen-fueled hypersonic jet
Hypersonix has partnered with NASA, the US Defense Innovation Unit, and American defense contractor Kratos.
The aim will be to create a demonstrator aircraft to test the proof of concept.
The company has created the 11.5ft DART AE demonstrator, with a Spartan scramjet engine as its power source.
Should this be successful, it will be the first sustained hypersonic flight using green hydrogen as the fuel.
The Spartan engine is incredibly clever, being 3D-printed by Hypersonix.
It is made of high-temperature alloys, allowing it to operate between Mach 5 and Mach 12.
It is, however, far from the only hypersonic aircraft in development.
The Son of Blackbird
One possible hypersonic aircraft to enter service in America could be the Lockheed Martin SR-72.
The aircraft is commonly referred to as the ‘Son of Blackbird’.
It would be a direct successor to the famous SR-71 that Lockheed previously built.
The difference is that this aircraft will be hypersonic, and not supersonic.
Information is sketchy as to what the current state of the project is.
However, Lockheed has hinted at an entry to service in the 2030s.
The United States Air Force has not confirmed that the project is underway.
But equally, it has not denied it either.
Spike Aerospace and China’s COMAC are two other companies pursuing concept aircraft.
Should any of these projects come to fruition and work, the world of aviation may never be the same again.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
