Recon aircraft are a little different breed than others. For instance, the SR-71 operating procedure was to let tanks LEAK all over the place on the ground, and when the aircraft got up to its cruising speed, the tanks would seal up due to heat expansion. Well, at least that’s what I’ve heard. So, just because we had the Aurora operational as a recon aircraft (and probably other recon craft that are still black), doesn’t necessarily mean its technology would be able to filter down to the mass market or even regular military market.
I’ve heard pretty much the same thing. In fact I beleive the SR-71 went airborne with a small amount of fuel, then was loaded at elevation. I beleive I’ve read this.
As for the technology, you may be right. It would seem though that if the tech got the Aurora going to it’s sustainable speed, that same tech could be used commercially.
The Aurora must operate at a somewhat reasonable length of mission. It seems that would rule out exotic fuels, but then my assumption may be flawed.