New "Black" Project by Lockheed?

Question

At 21:30 today (05/22/08), I saw the silhouette of a yet-to-be-identified jet, flying much lower than the commercial aircraft does in the area. The only aircraft I've seen at it's altitude have been the B-2, F-117, and F-16, all of which are flown out of Lockheed Martin Skunkworks which is only about 5 miles from my house. the red lights on the large rear wings flashed, while the white lights on the smaller front wings were steady. The most curious feature about this plane is it was completely SILENT. I'm pretty sure it's not the Aroura, unless it's gone through serious modifications since the last pictures were taken that I've seen.

Anyone have any idea what this is, or what kind of propulsion it's using to be so quiet at low altitude?

Answer 1

Perhaps it could be a new type of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle).I heard recently about a new one called the MQ-9 reaper but it doesn't resemble your drawing.I'm sure they're working on others though.

Regarding the silent propulsion system,some model jet aircraft are powered by EDF (electric ducted fan) engines instead of gas turbines.Military UAV's usually use Heavy-fuel engines (Diesel-like engines using jet fuel) to drive a propeller or fan but maybe they have now decided to make a hybrid powered by an EDF with batteries with the engine used to charge the batteries when necessary.

Answer 2

This could still have been a uav - global hawk has a wing span of 110 feet. Maybe this is a follow on that has yet to be outed by the defense industry.

Answer 3

Possibly could be a prototype for USAF's 2018 Bomber contest, between Lockheed and Boeing. Details as you'll understand are sketchy.

Details released so far (Courtsy of Wikipedia - So maybe not 100% accurate)

Subsonic max speed

A combat radius of 2,000+ miles

A Weapons load of 14,000-28,000 lb

Ability to "survive in hostile airspace for extended time"

Ability to carry nuclear weapons

Designed to use off-the-shelf propulsion, C4ISR, and radar technologies

Pictures:

http://www.airforce-magazine.com/SiteCol...

A excellent article on the bomber is in April (or May) edition of Aircraft Illistrated.

Hope this helps,

Mike

Answer 4

You are correct. It is not the Aurora. The Aurora doesn't exist, remember? Don't for a second think this plane couldn't be a UAV. I know the guy who designed a certain specific and traceable flight safety critical system for the yet to be made public (as far as I know), and yes, fully automated, 2/3 full size, B-2 Bomber. I know  the prototype has flown and been successfully tested. That's all I know, I've been compartmentalized. Between your description and the shape you posted is potentially any type or kind of airplane. Even some "whiz-bang" cargo plane.  It's a cannard style, so we know it has an outrageous dive speed (lawn darts anyone?). The aircraft's config. hint at a fighter. But, with cannards being very forgiving when put into a stall, maybe an Aurora Trainer?