May 22, 2010
The Thrill of Flying the SR-71 Blackbird
The Thrill of Flying the SR-71 Blackbird.
The SR-71 was an expensive aircraft to operate. The most significant cost was tanker support, and in 1990, confronted with budget cutbacks, the Air Force retired the SR-71.The Blackbird had outrun nearly 4,000 missiles, not once taking a scratch from enemy fire.
On her final flight, the Blackbird, destined for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum , sped from Los Angeles to Washington in 64 minutes, averaging 2,145 mph and setting four speed records.
Gotta love how the Blackbird outran attempted missiles.
One Comment, Comment or Ping
Richard Roehm
My grandfather was an oxcart pilot. Oxcart was the predecessor to the blackbirds. I have lots of film and photos and a piece of the oxcart he flew in.
May 26th, 2010
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