The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range, high-altitude, Mach3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed and manufactured by the American aerospace company Lockheed Corporation. [33] Research was conducted on a liquid hydrogen powerplant, but the tanks for storing cryogenic hydrogen were not of a suitable size or shape. [33] However, in practice the SR-71 was sometimes more efficient at even faster speedsdepending on the outside air temperatureas measured by pounds of fuel burned per nautical mile traveled. [66] However, the amount of fuel that leaked was not enough to make the refueling necessary; the planes refueled because the maximum speeds of the aircraft were only possible with aerial refueling. On 28 July 1976, SR-71 serial number 61-7962, piloted by then Captain Robert Helt, broke the world record: an "absolute altitude record" of 85,069 feet (25,929 m). [44] After the advisory panel provisionally selected Convair's FISH design over the A-3 on the basis of RCS, Lockheed adopted chines for its A-4 through A-6 designs. The aircraft flew at more than 2200 mph (Mach 3+ or more than three times the speed of sound) and at altitudes over 85,000 feet. The USAF could fly each SR-71, on average, once per week, because of the extended turnaround required after mission recovery. Thus, there are doubts that the US has abandoned the concept of spy planes to complement reconnaissance satellites. [64][65], Several exotic fuels were investigated for the Blackbird. The system's digital computer ephemeris contained data on a list of stars used for celestial navigation: the list first included 56 stars and was later expanded to 61. The air slowed supersonically with a final plane shock wave at entry to the subsonic diffuser.[51]. Aerodynamicists initially opposed the concept, disparagingly referring to the aircraft as a Mach 3 variant of the 1920s-era Ford Trimotor, which was known for its corrugated aluminum skin. Very often an aircraft would return with rivets missing, delaminated panels or other broken parts such as inlets requiring repair or replacement. [27] Finished aircraft were painted a dark blue, almost black, to increase the emission of internal heat and to act as camouflage against the night sky. [81] Initially, the TEOCs could not match the resolution of the A-12's larger camera, but rapid improvements in both the camera and film improved this performance. The SR-71's capability of flying at high speeds and at high altitudes made it possible for it to fly faster than any surface to air missiles that were fired at it. Kelly Johnson answered the call. [42] Drawing on early studies in radar stealth technology, which indicated that a shape with flattened, tapering sides would reflect most energy away from a radar beam's place of origin, engineers added chines and canted the vertical control surfaces inward. Thus, Swedish airspace was violated, whereupon two unarmed[115] Saab JA 37 Viggens on an exercise at the height of Vstervik were ordered there. Unofficially, SR-71 pilot Brian Shul states in his book The Untouchables that he flew in excess of Mach 3.5 on 15 April 1986 over Libya to evade a missile. [4], On most aircraft, the use of titanium was limited by the costs involved; it was generally used only in components exposed to the highest temperatures, such as exhaust fairings and the leading edges of wings. [19] It is a common misconception that the planes refueled shortly after takeoff because the jet fuel leaked. Merlin, Peter W. "The Truth is Out There SR-71 Serials and Designations". Named Blackbird due to its unique blue to black color, this aircraft would set numerous world records for speed and altitude. On July 28, 1976, an SR-71A set an Altitude in Horizontal Flight record at 85,068.997 feet. SR-71 "Blackbird". Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (Air Vanguard) by Crickmore, Paul F. (paperback) at the best online prices at eBay! Crickmore, Paul F. "Blackbirds in the Cold War". Johnson managed Lockheed'sSkunk Works during its heyday, as well as contributed some of the most original aircraft designs of the 20th century. SR-71 Blackbird spotted breaking the sound barrier at high altitude. Much like the SR-71, the A-12 was about 30-meters (100-feet) long, had a wingspan of 17 meters (55 feet), and weighed 54,431 kilograms (120,000 pounds). Two A-12s were modified to carry and launch the Lockheed D-21 remotely piloted reconnaissance drone, which would be powered by a Marquardt ramjet engine. [N 5][47][48], The air inlets allowed the SR-71 to cruise at over Mach3.2, with the air slowing down to subsonic speed as it entered the engine. Kelly Johnson later conceded that Soviet radar technology advanced faster than the stealth technology employed against it. [28] During its service life, no SR-71 was ever shot down. Designed at Lockheeds Skunk Works by Clarence Kelly Johnson, the SR-71 performed reconnaissance for the U.S. Air Force for more than 30 years and played a key role in Cold War intelligence gathering. Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 04/27/2021 | Content www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site. Myagkiy and its Weapons System Officer (WSO) were able to achieve a SR-71 lock on at 52,000 feet and at a distance of 120 Km from the target. [138][139] However, the USAF is officially pursuing the Northrop Grumman RQ-180 UAV to assume the SR-71's strategic ISR role. [60], At around Mach3, the temperature rise from the intake compression, added to the engine compressor temperature rise, reduced the allowable fuel flow because the turbine temperature limit did not change. [15], The SR-71 designation is a continuation of the pre-1962 bomber series; the last aircraft built using the series was the XB-70 Valkyrie. Proper alignment was achieved as the airframe heated up, with thermal expansion of several inches. Bleed tubes and bypass doors were designed into the inlet and engine nacelles to handle some of this pressure and to position the final shock to allow the inlet to remain "started". The event had been classified for over 30 years, and when the report was unsealed, data from the NSA showed that multiple MiG-25s with the order to shoot down the SR-71 or force it to land, had started right after the engine failure. On Jul. The J58 was a considerable innovation of the era, capable of producing a static thrust of 32,500lbf (145kN). Such generals had an interest in believing, and persuading the services and the Congress, that the SR-71 had become either entirely or almost entirely redundant to satellites, U-2s, incipient UAV programs, and an alleged top-secret successor already under development. By 1970, the SR-71s were averaging two sorties per week, and by 1972, they were flying nearly one sortie every day. 61-7956, flies its 1,000th sortie, 21 April 1989: SR-71, AF Ser. In addition to reaching altitudes higher than 25,908 meters (85,000 feet) and cruise at speeds greater than Mach 3.2, it could survey up to 160,934 square kilometers (100,000 square miles) of territory in just one hour. Related: Here Are The Most Terrifying Aircraft Ever Used By The Military It has set numerous speed and altitude records including the following in chronological order May 01, 1965 Absolute Altitude: 80,257.86 ft (24,390 meters). [90][40], The first flight of an SR-71 took place on 22 December 1964, at USAF Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, piloted by Bob Gilliland. ", "SR-71 Pilot Interview Richard Graham Veteran Tales", "SR-71 Online - SR-71 Flight Manual: Section 4, Page 4-86", "SR-71 Online - SR-71 Flight Manual: Section 4, Page 4-99", "SR-71 Online - SR-71 Flight Manual: Section 4, Page 4-123", "SR-71 Online - SR-71 Flight Manual: Section 4, Page 4-129", "SR-71 Online - SR-71 Flight Manual: Section 4, Page 4-132", "SR-71 Online - SR-71 Flight Manual: Section 4, Page 4-146", "First man to fly the world's fastest aircraft dies in Rancho Mirage", "SR-71 Pilot Interview Richard Graham, Veteran Tales interview at Frontiers of Flight Museum (at 1:02:55)", "Memorandum for the Chairman, Sanitization and Decontrol Working Group Black Shield Photography", "Bye Bye U-2: CIA Legend Allen Predicts End Of Manned Reconnaissance", "SPIONFLY, DEN KALDE KRIGEN - Spionfly landet i Bod", "TV: Krnvapenskra bunkern styrde flygplanen", "4 Swedish JA-37 Viggen pilots receives medals for SR-71 Blackbird rescue operation 1987 Part:1/2", "4 Swedish JA-37 Viggen pilots receives medals for SR-71 Blackbird rescue operation 1987 Part:2/2", "SR-71 World Record Speed and Altitude Flights", "A-12, YF-12A, & SR-71 Timeline of Events", "Spy Plane Sets Speed Record, Then Retires. [40], The second operational aircraft[41] designed around a stealth aircraft shape and materials, after the Lockheed A-12,[41] the SR-71 had several features designed to reduce its radar signature. The 1970s proved to be the most noteworthy period for the high-Mach Blackbird. According to Richard Graham, a former SR-71 pilot, the navigation system was good enough to limit drift to 1,000ft (300m) off the direction of travel at Mach3.[73]. Major Jerry Crew, an RSO, told Air & Space/Smithsonian that he used a jammer to try to confuse surface-to-air missile sites as their crews tracked his airplane, but once his threat-warning receiver told him a missile had been launched, he switched off the jammer to prevent the missile from homing in on its signal. No. Hall also stated they were "looking at alternative means of doing [the job of the SR-71]. 61-7959) in "big tail" configuration, 2728 July 1976: SR-71A sets speed and altitude records (altitude in horizontal flight: 85,068.997ft (25,929.030m) and speed over a straight course: 2,193.167 miles per hour (3,529.560km/h)), 15 January 1982: SR-71B, AF Ser. These were not a feature on the early A-3 design; Frank Rodgers, a doctor at the Scientific Engineering Institute, a CIA front organization, discovered that a cross-section of a sphere had a greatly reduced radar reflection, and adapted a cylindrical-shaped fuselage by stretching out the sides of the fuselage. This portion of the skin was only supported by widely spaced structural ribs. The SR-71's record setting speed and high-altitude flights helped it keep enemies at bay. They refueled from a KC-135, accelerated. The aircraft is silhouetted against the sunset. We need the [data] that a tactical, an SR-71, a U-2, or an unmanned vehicle of some sort, will give us, in addition to, not in replacement of, the ability of the satellites to go around and check not only that spot but a lot of other spots around the world for us. [107][108] The other route, from Mildenhall over the Baltic Sea, was known as the Baltic Express. Brandt, Steven A., Randall J. Stiles and John J. Bertin. SR-71s first arrived at the 9th SRW's Operating Location (OL-8) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan on 8 March 1968. The U.S. Air Force had played a huge role in supporting the CIAs A-12 program in terms of money, aerial refueling support, use of its facilities at Kadena Air Force Base, and various transport. The SR-71 was in duty from 1964 until 1989 and during a reactivation from 1993 until 1998. [22], In 1968, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara canceled the F-12 interceptor program. Some of this compressor flow (20% at cruise) was removed after the fourth compressor stage and went straight to the afterburner through six bypass tubes. Food was contained in sealed containers similar to toothpaste tubes which delivered food to the crewmember's mouth through the helmet opening. An SR-71 refueling from a KC-135Q Stratotanker during a flight in 1983. 61-7972, when the Astro-Inertial Navigation System (ANS) fails on a training mission and they accidentally fly into Mexican airspace, 5 February 1968: Lockheed ordered to destroy A-12, YF-12, and SR-71 tooling, 8 March 1968: First SR-71A (AF Ser. Here's a list the top speed, highest and quickest distance between two points. [109][110][clarification needed] Target illumination was maintained by feeding target location from ground-based radars to the fire-control computer in the JA 37 Viggen interceptor. The SR-71 was designed for flight at over Mach3 with a flight crew of two in tandem cockpits, with the pilot in the forward cockpit and the reconnaissance systems officer operating the surveillance systems and equipment from the rear cockpit, and directing navigation on the mission flight path. In 1976, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird broke the worlds record for sustained altitude in horizontal flight at 25,929 meters (85,069 feet). The specialized tooling used to manufacture both the YF-12 and the SR-71 was also ordered destroyed. Its first operational mission was over Vietnam and subsequent missions were flown one to three times per week. [26], The SR-71, while much more capable than the Lockheed U-2 in terms of range, speed, and survivability, suffered the lack of a data link, which the U-2 had been upgraded to carry. [81] ELINT-gathering systems, called the Electro Magnetic Reconnaissance System, built by AIL could be carried in the chine bays to analyze electronic signal fields being passed through, and were programmed to identify items of interest. A typical Blackbird reconnaissance flight might require several aerial refueling operations from an airborne tanker. Downstream of this normal shock, the air is subsonic. Soviet overflights ceased and the U-2 continued flying missions over places with less sophisticated air defense systems. As the U-2 was called Kellys Angel, or Angel, Lockheeds designs for its successor were designated with an A prefix for Archangel. The CIA gave the contract to Lockheeds A-11, which was modified and secretly re-designated the A-12. In 1976, the SR-71 Blackbird flew at a sustained altitude of 85,069 feet with top speeds of 2,193 MPH, setting records of top speed and altitude that haven't been beaten to this day. The Blackbirds were designed to cruise at "Mach 3+," just over three times the speed of sound or more than 2,200 miles per hour and at altitudes up to 85,000 feet. No. An advanced, long-range, Mach 3.2 strategic reconnaissance aircraft. Flights often lasted more than six hours and covered more than 11,265 kilometers (7,000 square miles). NASA operated the two last airworthy Blackbirds until 1999. On 26 April 1971, 61-7968, flown by majors Thomas B. Estes and Dewain C. Vick, flew over 15,000 miles (24,000km) in 10 hours and 30 minutes. Goodall, James and Jay Miller. It was located above and behind the student cockpit. The Blackbird was designed to provide reconnaissance in defended airspace while improving aircrew survivability. The modified A-12s were re-designated M-21s, and were designed to take off with the D-21 and then launch the drone at speeds high enough to ignite the drones ramjet motor. In the Blackbird, mission success . A high altitude jet aircraft used by the CIA and the US Air Force during the cold war. The remaining engine's asymmetrical thrust would cause the aircraft to yaw violently to one side. No. Blackbird aircraft have been setting records since day one. In 1976, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird broke the world's record for sustained altitude in horizontal flight at 25,929 meters (85,069 feet). It has set numerous speed and altitude records including the following in chronological order. Aircraft VOL.11, NO. As velocity decreased, so did frictional heat. The tanker also had special fuel systems for moving JP-4 (for the KC-135Q itself) and JP-7 (for the SR-71) between different tanks. This position reflected the spike shock wave repeatedly between the spike center body and the inlet inner cowl sides, and minimized airflow spillage which is the cause of spillage drag. The design was designated YF-12A in 1962 and it took its first successful Groom Lake flight in the following year. [8] As of 2023[update] the SR-71 holds the world record it set in 1976 as the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12. NASA released video footage of the SR-71 Blackbird, the high-altitude recon aircraft capable of reaching speeds over Mach 3. Colonel Rich Graham, SR-71 pilot, described the acquisition process: The airplane is 92% titanium inside and out. The gone but not forgotten Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird takes flight at sunset on its way to making a Mach 3.2 thunder run. [36] The temperature of the exterior of the windscreen reached 600F (316C) during a mission. The aircraft can fly more than 2200 mph (Mach 3+ or more than three times the speed of sound) and at altitudes of over 85,000 feet. The squadron finally closed in mid-1990, and the aircraft were distributed to static display locations, with a number kept in reserve storage.[26]. [98] On 21 March 1968, Major (later General) Jerome F. O'Malley and Major Edward D. Payne flew the first operational SR-71 sortie in SR-71 serial number 61-7976 from Kadena AFB, Okinawa. [38], The Blackbird's tires, manufactured by B.F. Goodrich, contained aluminum and were filled with nitrogen. [112][113][114], On 29 June 1987, an SR-71 was on a mission around the Baltic Sea to spy on Soviet postings when one of the engines exploded. On May 1, 1960, a surface-to-air missile explosion knocked down the U-2 of Gary Powers over Soviet airspace. [23] Production of the SR-71 totaled 32 aircraft with 29 SR-71As, two SR-71Bs, and the single SR-71C.[24]. Due to unease over political situations in the Middle East and North Korea, the U.S. Congress re-examined the SR-71 beginning in 1993. In the early years of operation, the analog computers would not always keep up with rapidly changing flight environmental inputs. The SR-71 Blackbird set speed and altitude records that stand to this day. During the Cold War, pilots of the Concorde were asking air traffic control to move the SR-71 out of its way so it could proceed to New York's JF as well as other destinations. [178], Avionics "Jet Propulsion for Aerospace Applications" second edition, Hesse and Mumford, Pitman Publishing Corporation, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 64-18757, p375, "F-12 Series Aircraft Propulsion System Performance and Development" David Campbell, J. Thankfully, this possibility seemed less and less likely, and the SR-71 was also capable of conventional intelligence gathering. YF-12A # 60-6934 Absolute Speed Over a Straight Course: 2,070.101 mph .YF-12A #60-6936 [33] The heat would have caused a smooth skin to split or curl, whereas the corrugated skin could expand vertically and horizontally and had increased longitudinal strength. Finally, scramjets with supersonic combustion cover the range of high supersonic to hypersonic speeds. American aerospace engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the aircraft's innovative concepts. [43], The SR-71 featured chines, a pair of sharp edges leading aft from either side of the nose along the fuselage. [121] Rear Admiral Thomas F. Hall addressed the question of why the SR-71 was retired, saying it was under "the belief that, given the time delay associated with mounting a mission, conducting a reconnaissance, retrieving the data, processing it, and getting it out to a field commander, that you had a problem in timelines that was not going to meet the tactical requirements on the modern battlefield. There were two routes. The high temperatures generated in flight required special design and operating techniques. Merely accelerating would typically be enough for an SR-71 to evade a SAM;[3] changes by the pilots in the SR-71's speed, altitude, and heading were also often enough to spoil any radar lock on the plane by SAM sites or enemy fighters. The KC-135Q had a modified high-speed boom, which would allow refueling of the Blackbird at nearly the tanker's maximum airspeed with minimum flutter. The one record that it still holds is a cross-country flight, zipping from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. in just 64 minutes 20 seconds. . Cockpit section survived and located at the, 13 June 1962: SR-71 mock-up reviewed by the USAF, 30 July 1962: J58 completes pre-flight testing, 28 December 1962: Lockheed signs contract to build six SR-71 aircraft, 25 July 1964: President Johnson makes public announcement of SR-71, 29 October 1964: SR-71 prototype (AF Ser. The 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (1 SRS) kept its pilots and aircraft operational and active, and flew some operational reconnaissance missions through the end of 1989 and into 1990, due to uncertainty over the timing of the final termination of funding for the program.
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