The term MACH3 FORERUNNER is a combination of two words, MACH3 and ATRA. MACH3 is a supersonic passenger jet developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s, while ATRA is an acronym for Advanced Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft, a prototype aircraft developed by the United States Air Force in the 1980s. The MACH3 FORERUNNER was a joint venture between the two countries to develop a supersonic reconnaissance aircraft.