It's not so much wrecking prototypes, as having no idea what exactly is causing the problem. There's enough data thanks to XR to build a model of the drives, the spaceframe and the control surfaces, but not the computing capability.
Giving that getting that done was one of the big planned expenses, ff Cortana's willing to help, then.... well the only thing that really seems appropriate is either something arranged between herself and Jet, or Cortana gets to choose the ultimate name of the spacecraft. (Unless someone else wants to do that)
As a stretch goal, XR-71 gets adapted with proper instrumentation and data-logging to be a high-speed engine test-bed available for general hire/loan to smaller racing teams. With the annoying quirk that only one fitted propulsion system will ever work at once.
Never mind that, by the time it's finished the major manufacturers will already be well on their way to making competitors. Ultimately, it'll utterly dominate one or two races then either be banned (F1 politics style), or the performance divisions of the major manufacturers will be able to match with their own homologation specials, ending the racing season in a pretty much level playing field once more. They're happy just to set the cat amongst the pigeons and get some attention for a bit at the start.
At the time of posting, the first flight is scheduled to be March 2024.
Kohran would probably be invited to the first race of the season soon afterwards, where they're most likely to put on the best show. Or blow an engine up.
The RF-047 itself, will never have a fully capable military variant unless someone else does it.
________________________________
--m(^0^)m-- Wot, no sig?
Giving that getting that done was one of the big planned expenses, ff Cortana's willing to help, then.... well the only thing that really seems appropriate is either something arranged between herself and Jet, or Cortana gets to choose the ultimate name of the spacecraft. (Unless someone else wants to do that)
As a stretch goal, XR-71 gets adapted with proper instrumentation and data-logging to be a high-speed engine test-bed available for general hire/loan to smaller racing teams. With the annoying quirk that only one fitted propulsion system will ever work at once.
Never mind that, by the time it's finished the major manufacturers will already be well on their way to making competitors. Ultimately, it'll utterly dominate one or two races then either be banned (F1 politics style), or the performance divisions of the major manufacturers will be able to match with their own homologation specials, ending the racing season in a pretty much level playing field once more. They're happy just to set the cat amongst the pigeons and get some attention for a bit at the start.
At the time of posting, the first flight is scheduled to be March 2024.
Kohran would probably be invited to the first race of the season soon afterwards, where they're most likely to put on the best show. Or blow an engine up.
The RF-047 itself, will never have a fully capable military variant unless someone else does it.
________________________________
--m(^0^)m-- Wot, no sig?