Flight Journal

More than half a century after the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird set the benchmark for air-breathing aircraft speed, a new contender is beginning its climb toward that record. On March 2, 2026, aerospace startup Hermeus conducted the maiden flight of its uncrewed Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 prototype from Spaceport America in New Mexico. The short test flight marked the next step in a development program aimed at eventually surpassing the Blackbird’s famous Mach-3-plus performance. Few aircraft inspire as much fascination as the SR-71. Designed by legendary engineer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson and built by Lockheed’s Skunk Works division, the jet-black reconnaissance aircraft entered service during the Cold War as a high-altitude intelligence platform that could outrun virtually any threat. Constructed largely from titanium to withstand extreme temperatures generated at high speed, the SR-71 cruised at more than Mach 3 and reached an official record of Mach 3.

At the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the aircraft restoration team led by Greg Ward has been working on an extraordinary project for over a decade. Their goal: to bring an FM-2 Wildcat fighter plane, which spent 68 years at the bottom of Lake Michigan, back to life. The story of this plane’s recovery and restoration is a testament to dedication, hard work, and passion for history. The Discovery In June 2013, Ward joined Air Zoo President and CEO Troy Thrash, along with a small team, on a trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin. They were there to see the recently recovered FM-2 Wildcat 57039, which had sunk into Lake Michigan during World War II. Thrash recalled his first reaction to the sight of the wreck: “It was sitting in a pile, broken in half. The wing was shredded, the left landing gear was ripped in half...

Lt. Charles E. Hughes could never sleep before missions. He paced outside his tent in the darkness of the desert, restless and contemplative. "I had too much on my mind," he said. "I was in charge of bringing my men back and I wanted to make sure I had a plan to do that." Charles A. Hughes in the copilot’s seat of a 44th Bomb Group B-24 during the beginning of his tour. Hughes completed 28 missions over the course of 28 months thanks to his long odyssey following Operation Tidal Wave. (Photo via Sandy Symanovich) The 22-year-old Californian knew the pattern: He’d already flown three missions as copilot to targets in France and Germany. Then, the 44th Bomb Group had suddenly and surprisingly ceased operations, started low-level practice missions, and shipped out to North Africa.