“Project Aurora” is often cited in the realm of aviation folklore as a code name for a supposed U.S. military project related to developing a next-generation, high-speed reconnaissance aircraft as a replacement for the SR-71 Blackbird. The existence of such a project and aircraft has been a topic of speculation and rumors for decades, particularly among aviation enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists.
Here’s what is generally discussed about Project Aurora:
- Origins of the Name: The name “Aurora” first appeared in the 1985 U.S. budget, as an allocation for “black” aircraft production, where it was listed inadvertently. After that, the name disappeared from subsequent budgets, leading to speculations about its true nature.
- Characteristics: Rumors about the supposed Aurora aircraft suggest that it would be capable of hypersonic flight, potentially reaching speeds of Mach 5 to Mach 8.
- Evidence: Over the years, there have been various pieces of purported evidence for the Aurora’s existence:
- Sonic Booms: Unexplained sonic booms over the U.S. have sometimes been attributed to Aurora test flights.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Some claim to have seen a strange, delta-winged aircraft near military bases.
- Satellite Images: Conspiracy theorists have pointed to certain satellite images as showing the Aurora, though these claims are generally unsubstantiated.
- Official Stance: The U.S. government has never acknowledged the existence of an “Aurora” aircraft. Official explanations for the budgetary listing suggest it was related to a series of satellites.
- Other Speculations: Some believe that the Aurora project could encompass a range of advanced aircraft, not just one. Others think that it’s possible the project was scrapped, or that it was a disinformation campaign.
Until there’s concrete evidence or an official acknowledgment, Project Aurora remains in the realm of speculation and conspiracy theories.