"There Was Absolutely Nothing Quite Like It" The U.S.A.F 'SR-71' 'Blackbird' Documentary

"There Was Absolutely Nothing Quite Like It" The U.S.A.F 'SR-71' 'Blackbird' Documentary

Technology, Innovation, Iconic, USA, Air Force, US Navy, United States, USAF, SR-71, Army, Jet Fighters, Blackbird, Lockheed Martin, Airplanes, Jets, Rockets, Missiles, Enginuity, Military Industrial Complex, Engineering, War, Weapons, Weaponry, Airspace, Dominance,

The Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. American aerospace engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts. During aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch were detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile. The shape of the SR-71 was based on the A-12 which was one of the first aircraft to be designed with a reduced radar cross-section.

The Lockheed Martin SR-71 Blackbird was developed in the 1960s by the Skunkworks (division of LM) to replace the LM U-2 which was difficult to fly at its normal altitude, and flew slowly enough to be vulnerable to anti-aircraft missiles.

The Blackbird was designed primarily as a reconnaissance aircraft (attempts were made to weaponize, but little room was found for munitions). As such the designers found it prudent to make the vehicle harder to detect after a U-2 was shot down. The shape of the plane (wide flat body, chines running down sides of fuselage) is designed to deflect or scatter radio waves, and the general shape of the body (falcon cross section) helps disperse radio waves further.Mission requirements ended up creating this majestic bird. Designed to fly above Mach 3 at over 24 km (80000 ft), it became the fastest manned plane ever put into production. The original plane was a single seat spy plane for the CIA called the A-12, but the USAF converted it to a two seat configuration and ordered it as the SR-71.

"There Was Absolutely Nothing Quite Like It" The U.S.A.F 'SR-71' 'Blackbird' Documentary

The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents but none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including "Blackbird" and "Habu". Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12.

For more information:
https://en.wikipedia.o...