| Attribute | Value | |-----------|-------| | | Hypersonic reconnaissance / technology demonstrator | | Crew | 1 pilot | | Length | Approx. 90 ft (27.4 m) | | Wingspan | Approx. 60 ft (18.3 m) | | Empty weight | ~30,000 lbs (13,600 kg) | | Powerplant | 1x combined cycle turbine + scramjet (simulated) | | Max speed (simulated) | Mach 10+ (≈ 7,600 mph / 12,300 km/h) | | Service ceiling | 300,000+ ft (91,440 m) – suborbital | | Fuel capacity | Large (simulated cryogenic hydrogen? – not modeled in detail) | | Avionics | Full glass cockpit, HUD with Mach/altitude readout, waypoint nav |
At Mach 4.0, press the key (default is Ctrl + Shift + S on the FSX Darkstar mod). You will feel a 10-second lag—do not panic. The sim is calculating the inlet pressure. fsx darkstar
If you own MSFS 2020, download the free Top Gun expansion immediately. If you only have FSX, consider upgrading or trying community mods with lowered expectations. | Attribute | Value | |-----------|-------| | |
Capable of crossing the United States (China Lake to Cape Canaveral) in roughly 30-36 minutes . – not modeled in detail) | | Avionics
Once reaching Mach 3.0 at roughly 40,000–50,000 feet, the scramjets are engaged. The pilot then pulls into a steep climb.
Flying the Darkstar was a unique experience. It utilized a minimal cockpit view (often just a heads-up display or HUD), emphasizing the fact that it was technically a drone. The thrust-to-weight ratio was absurd. A pilot could throttle up from a standstill and watch the speed tape on the HUD scroll vertically like a slot machine.
