Free Republic

Much debate remains on whether the Lockheed Martin SR-72, affectionately known as the “Son of the Blackbird,” is actually real. It reportedly could be making an appearance in the upcoming film Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to the 1986 film Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise. While there is no doubt that the aircraft may be in the production stage, whether it is ready to take to the skies is the other question. Another question is what its actual role could be in the U.S. military, but more on that in a moment.

One of the most iconic scenes in the over-the-top Rambo: First Blood Part II involves the shirtless Sylvester Stallone wielding the M60E3 while firing from the hip. Even those who don’t know guns would recognize it as “Rambo’s gun.” While Stallone’s handling was cinematic, to say the least, it was still a very real weapon that saw use with the U.S. military around the world.