It's Fun To Be The Fastest Guy In The Skies

SR-71 Blackbird Speed Check Story 

There were a lot of things we couldn't do in an SR-71, but we were the fastest guys on the block and loved reminding our fellow aviators of this fact. People often asked us if, because of this fact, it was fun to fly the jet. Fun would not be the first word I would use to describe flying this plane. Intense, maybe. Even cerebral. But there was one day in our Sled experience when we would have to say that it was pure fun to be the fastest guys out there, at least for a moment. 

It occurred when Walt and I were flying our final training sortie. We needed 100 hours in the jet to complete our training and attain Mission Ready status. Somewhere over Colorado we had passed the century mark. We had made the turn in Arizona and the jet was performing flawlessly. My gauges were wired in the front seat and we were starting to feel pretty good about ourselves, not only because we would soon be flying real missions but because we had gained a great deal of confidence in the plane in the past ten months. Ripping across the barren deserts 80,000 feet below us, I could already see the coast of California from the Arizona border.  

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WNU Editor: For me. This great SR-71 story never gets old.

How Fast Could The SR-71 Blackbird Really Fly?

The SR-71B Blackbird. Wikipedia 

 National Interest: How Fast Could the SR-71 Blackbird Really Fly?  

Numerous SR-71 pilots have anecdotally reported higher speeds during missions and other unrecorded flights, and there is no way to be certain who was truly the fastest of all time. 

The SR-71 Blackbird, created by Lockheed’s “Skunk Works” experimental division, represented the pinnacle of Cold War aircraft design. Springing from the earlier Lockheed A-12 designed in “Project Oxcart,” the SR-71 was sleek, aerodynamic, and, consequently, fast. The aircraft was designed to cruise at speeds exceeding Mach 3.0, and could go even faster when needed. For instance, it could pick up speed when it was trying to outrun missiles, which it could do with minimal difficulty. 

The Soviet Union never developed anything remotely analogous to the SR-71, and no other nation has come close. Nor is it likely that they ever will. With the development of satellite photography, the need that the SR-71 filled no longer exists as it did during the 1970s and 1980s, and the immense resources poured into the development and maintenance of the Blackbird are now better used elsewhere. For this reason, the Blackbird was retired from the Air Force in 1988. During the turmoil of the 1990s, the plane was briefly brought out of retirement, but it was shelved for good in 1998.  

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WNU Editor: The record is Mach 3.56, or just under twenty-four hundred miles per hour.

During Its Lifetime 4,000 Missiles Were Fired At the SR-71 Blackbird

Reuters National Interest: 4,000 Missiles Were Fired At the SR-71 Blackbird. None Ever Hit. 

The reconnaissance jet was never shot down, or even hit, over the course of its entire lifespan, although it’s been estimated that more than 4,000 missiles were fired at it over the decades. 

The SR-71, best known as the Blackbird, was one of the most famous jets ever flown by the United States military. 

The reconnaissance jet was never shot down, or even hit, over the course of its entire lifespan, although it’s been estimated that more than 4,000 missiles were fired at it over the decades. 

The Blackbird had its first flight in 1964 and was retired in the late 1990s. 

According to Aviation Geek Club, a story recently surfaced of what’s believed to be the first time a missile was fired at the famed plane. At least, that’s how that flight was described by Aviation Geek Club. 

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WNU Editor: Quite a remarkable achievement.

The SR-71 Blackbird Is Still The World's Fastest Aircraft

LOCKHEED SR-71 BLACKBIRD Role: Strategic reconnaissance aircraft Manufacturer: Lockheed, Skunk Works division Status: Retired The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force.[1] It was developed as a black projectfrom the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. Renowned 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 asurface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile. The SR-71 was designed to have basic stealth characteristics and served as a precursor to future stealth aircraft. 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 with none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu. It has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft since 1976; this record was previously held by the relatedLockheed YF-12.

CNN: SR-71 Blackbird: The Cold War spy plane that's still the world's fastest aircraft

During the Cold War, this plane could fly higher and faster than any other -- and 55 years after its first flight, it still does.

The Lockheed SR-71, designed in secrecy in the late 1950s, was able to cruise near the edge of space and outfly a missile. To this day, it holds the records for the highest altitude in horizontal flight and the fastest speed for a non-rocket powered aircraft.

It was part of a family of spy planes built to venture into enemy territory, without being shot down or even detected, in a time before satellites and drones.

The black paint job, designed to dissipate heat, earned it the nickname Blackbird, and paired with the sleek lines of the long fuselage, made the plane look unlike anything that had come before -- a design that hasn't lost any of its brilliance.

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WNU Editor: For more info (and pictures) on the SR-71, go here .... A Brief Look At The History Of The SR-71 Blackbird (Photo Gallery Included)

The Story On How This Sr-71 Crashed

Dario Leone, National Interest: The Story of When an SR-71 Blackbird Crashed While Refueling

We've got the details.

“My aircraft had smashed into the ground approximately 20 miles east of El Paso at 0915 hours."

The SR-71 would be a very short-ranged aircraft were it not for air refuelling, limited to around 2,000 NM. Multiple air refuellings extended the range of the aircraft to the limits of crew endurance. Many missions have exceeded 12,000 NM. Forward basing of the SR-71 and KC-135Q tankers permitted faster response, shorter range, shorter duration missions, fewer air refuelling, and greater overall efficiency.

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WNU Editor: An truly incredible story.

Russian Ministry of Defence Shares Evidence That The Soviet Union Shot Down A SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane In 1983

Hush-Kit: Russia reveals wreckage of US Blackbird spyplane shot down in 1983

Western observers stunned as Russian Ministry of Defence shares evidence that a US spyplane was shot down over the USSR during the Cold War. The shoot-down of the seemingly invulnerable jet, capable of flight at over 2,000mph, has not been acknowledged by either side until now.

Yesterday, at a press conference in Moscow, Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation spokesperson Alexei Obmanov shared images and documents that conclusively prove a US SR-71 Blackbird spyplane was downed close to a remote Siberian village in 1983. According to Obmanov, the aircraft was intercepted by a pair of Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) MiG-31 interceptors. The intruding US aircraft was tracked for 93 miles (150 km), and five radio warnings issued, before the Soviet aircraft opened fire. Three missiles were fired, with the second two hitting and destroying the American aircraft.

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WNU Editor: When I read this story I checked all the Russian news and defense websites .... nothing. And then it hit me .... today is April Fools Day. Grrrrr.....

The CIA's Blackbird Was The World's First Operational Stealth Plane

LOCKHEED SR-71 BLACKBIRD Role: Strategic reconnaissance aircraft Manufacturer: Lockheed, Skunk Works division Status: Retired The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was operated by the United States Air Force.[1] It was developed as a black projectfrom the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division. Renowned 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 asurface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile. The SR-71 was designed to have basic stealth characteristics and served as a precursor to future stealth aircraft. 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 with none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu. It has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft since 1976; this record was previously held by the relatedLockheed YF-12.

David Axe, Daily Beast: The CIA’s Legendary Blackbird Was Actually the First Stealth Warplane

A newly released, formerly top-secret official CIA history details the Blackbird’s hidden past as the world’s first operational stealth warplane.

In 1956, the U.S. Air Force had a big problem. The high-flying, camera-equipped U-2 spy plane had flown for the first time just a year earlier. But as America’s main strategic reconnaissance aircraft, the subsonic U-2 was already obsolete.

The Air Force’s solution was to develop a new spy plane. The resulting Blackbird more than matched the U-2’s impressive high-altitude performance and added the ability to fly at three times the speed of sound.

In 35 years of military and CIA service, the Blackbird became legendary for its blistering top speed and sinister appearance. But a just-released, formerly top-secret official CIA history underscores the Blackbird’s lesser-known but equally important accomplishment.

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WNU Editor: For more info (and pictures) on the SR-71, go here .... A Brief Look At The History Of The SR-71 Blackbird (Photo Gallery Included)

World's Fastest Jet Crew Are Reunited With The Supersonic SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane

In 1976, reconnaissance officer George Morgan, left, and pilot Eldon 'Al' Joersz set the world aviation speed record in an Air Force SR-71 Blackbird spy jet. Their record -- 2,193 mph -- still stands.

Daily Mail: World's fastest jet crew are reunited with the supersonic SR-71 Blackbird spy plane - which is still the fastest plane ever built, 40 years later

* Pilot Al Joersz and reconnaissance system officer George Morgan reunite with SR-71 spy plane
* On July 28, 1976, Joersz and Morgan flew faster than a speeding bullet
* The Blackbird reached 2,193 miles per hour - one mile every 1.64 seconds
* Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia, is hosting a weekend celebration honoring the crew
* Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was built in the 1960s by engineers in California
* Long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft was made for US Air Force
* Held world record for the fastest manned aircraft since 1976

For 40 years it has been the fastest plane ever built, and now the crew who flew the record-breaking, speed-shattering mission have been reunited with the aircraft they once commanded, and climbed back into the cockpit.

It was 1976 when U.S. Air Force pilot Maj. Gen. Eldon 'Al' Joersz and Lt. Col. George 'GT' Morgan flew a jet faster than a speeding bullet. They flew faster than anyone had done before, or since.

On July 28, 1976, the two men flew a SR-71 Blackbird spy plane for more than a thousand kilometers at 2,193 miles per hour, covering one mile every 1.64 seconds, a record that still stands today.

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WNU Editor: I suspect that this is  a record that is going to stand for a very long time.

A Look At Why The SR-71 Was Retired

Image: Flickr/Matt Morgan.

Dave Majumdar, National Interest: SR-71: Why Is the World's Fastest Plane in a Museum?

Capable of cruising at speeds in excess of Mach 3.2, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft to ever to see operational service. But even though its performance has never been matched, the SR-71 was retired as the Cold War drew to a close.

The Blackbird was initially retired in 1990, even before the fall of the Soviet Union. Eventually, however, three of the jets were reactivated by the Air Force—at the insistence of Congress—for a brief period between 1995 and 1998. Meanwhile, NASA flew research missions with the aircraft until 1999. In the end, the Blackbird was retired without a true replacement. But why?

WNU Editor: Its always the same story ... something better comes around and the costs of maintaining older models no longer makes any sense.

Some Amazing Stats On The SR-71 Blackbird

Fox Trot Alpha: Celebrate The 51st Anniversary Of The SR-71 Blackbird's First Flight With These Crazy Stats

On December 22nd, 1964, the SR-71 Blackbird took to the air for the very first time, rising above Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale with F-104 chase planes in pursuit. The occasion would mark the birth of one of the most amazing and renowned aircraft of all time.

To understand just how exotic the Blackbird family of aircraft were, you need look no farther than its historical stats and metrics.

WNU Editor: Here is a photo gallery of the SR-71 .... 11 photos that show why the SR-71 Blackbird was one of the best jets of all time (Business Insider/We Are The Mighty).

China Wants To Build Their Own SR-71 Spyplane

Lockheed Martin

Harry J. Kazianis, National Interest: Is China Getting Ready to Develop the World's Fastest Plane?

China’s military over the last twenty years has worked at breakneck speed to develop weapons platforms that have created a certain amount of concern in capitals all over Asia and in Washington. And if reports prove correct, Beijing might be able to add one more military marvel to its list of accomplishments—the world’s fastest plane.

According to various reports, China is planning to develop a domestically crafted turbofan ramjet engine. Such an engine—at least in theory—could be the foundation for a jet faster than the legendary U.S. SR-71 spyplane, the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, retired in the late 1990s.

WNU Editor: China still has a long way to go before being able to accomplish such an engineering feat .... but they are clearly stating their intentions right now.

Fascinating Pictures That Show How The SR-71 Was Built

Scientists at Lockheed's Skunk Works in Burbank developed the plane -this picture shows their assembly line

Daily Mail: How they built the Blackbird: Fascinating pictures show birth of Lockheed's top secret SR-71 spy plane - which is STILL the fastest plane ever built after 39 years

* Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird was built in the 1960s by engineers in California
* Long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft was made for US Air Force
* Classified pictures reveal how Lockheed built A, B and C versions of plane
* Held world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft since 1976

WNU Editor: Life is funny. If you live long enough .... what was ultra top secret 40 years ago .... years later gets posted in The Daily Mail as a human interest story.

A Brief Look At The History Of The SR-71 Blackbird (Photo Gallery Included)

Rare Photos Of The SR-71 Blackbird Show Its Amazing History -- Gizmodo

The SR-71 Blackbird is, without a doubt, the most advanced aeroplane ever built in relation to the technology available at the time. It broke all aviation records, it flew incredible missions, and it became the stuff of legend. Lockheed Martin published its history in this collection of high resolution scans of old photos.

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WNU Editor: To enlarge the photos click on them .... the hi-res look for each photo is impressive.

An SR-71 Pilot Explains How The Cockpit Works

Watch An SR-71 Pilot Explain How The Cockpit Works -- Popular Mechanics

An SR-71's exterior is all smooth, swooping surfaces. The Blackbird's interior, however, is a cramped assemblage of dials and switches need to keep the supersonic spy plane aloft.

Don't be intimidated, would-be pilots. In this video, longtime SR-71 pilot Richard Graham walks you through the bevy of controls and explains what each one tells you.

For something cool and also kind of terrifying, skip to about 14:18, at which point you can see Graham showing off the back of the plane where the navigator sat. As he explains, it was critical that the pilot and navigator were both in perfect health before each flight, because neither could fly the plane properly if the other were to be incapacitated.

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My Comment: This was once classified ultra-top secret .... today it is on YouTube.

The SR-71 Spy Plane Outran Every Missile Fired At It

The SR-71B Blackbird, flown by the Dryden Flight Research Center as NASA 831, slices across the snow-covered southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California after being refueled by an Air Force tanker during a 1994 flight. SR-71B was the trainer version of the SR-71. Notice the dual cockpit to allow the instructor to fly the airplane. Wikipedia

The SR-71 Spy Plane Was So Fast, It Outran Every Missile Fired at It -- Dario Leone and David Cenciotti, War Is Boring

Speed has always been as powerful as stealth

Until Lockheed Martin finally builds the SR-72 Mach-6 spy plane it announced in November, the iconic SR-71 Blackbird, capable of flying three times the speed of sound, remains the fastest warplane ever flown operationally.

So fast that no missiles fired at it had a chance of hitting.

When the U-2 spy plane was built in the 1950s, its designer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson already knew that it would be vulnerable to enemy defenses.

So to gather intelligence in foreign skies, in 1964 U.S. Pres. Lyndon Johnson announced that the Lockheed Advance Development Projects, also known as the Skunk Works, would build another strategic reconnaissance aircraft—one so fast that no other airplane could reach it.

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My Comment: Yup .... sometimes speed is far more important than stealth. Not surprising .... the next U.S. spy plane will be even faster.

SR-71 Flight Manual Online

SR-71 Flight Manual -- SR-71.org

Introduction

For the first time, the SR-71 Flight Manual is available online. The manual was declassified several years ago and has now been made free to the public. When a document becomes declassified, it also becomes public domain. No copyright is asserted for the content that is presented on this web site from the SR-71 Flight Manual. However, I do ask that you cite SR-71 Online as your source if you plan to use this content. I hold distribution rights on this particular presentation since this reproduction is my work in general, and a lot of work was put into this production. If you plan to mirror this site, please be sure to ask for permission at my contact page.

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My Comment: Amazing .... this was super-duper secret a few decades ago ... and now ... it is online for all to see.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (Video)

Blackbird Low Fly-By

Spying On Russia At Mach 3. SR-71 Blackbird In High-Res (19 HQ Photos)

(Click on Image to Expand)

From The Brigade:

Am I the only one that learned what "Skunk Works" was from a poster of the SR-71 Blackbird? On July 28, 1976 the SR-71A traveled at Mach 3.3 which is just shy of 2,200 mph. There are other records set (such as altitude record of 85,069 feet) but my favorite is the New York to London in 1 hour 54 minutes and 56.4 seconds. The Pratt & Whitney J58-P4 engines used in the Blackbird were the only American engines designed to operate continuously on afterburner, and became more efficient as speed increased. Each J58 engine could produce 32,500 lbs/f of static thrust. This plane is like my Mclaren F1 poster; it is how I remember my childhood bed room.

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Video Tribute: The SR-71(Blackbird) Spy Plane

(Click To Enlarge)

This is a great flash video that celebrates the SR-71. The link is HERE.

Hat Tip: Prairie Pundit