https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG6g...ature=youtu.be
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I don't know if the audio talked about this, but if my memory is correct (always doubtful) the KC-135 shown in the refueling operation was also running its engines on the same, very expensive JP-7 fuel as it was pumping into the SR-71, simply because there were no separate fuel compartments for the tanker's operation...When Independent Voter sees this, he may be able to verify this...Initial production of JP-7 by Shell Oil Company, of which Jimmy Doolittle was vice-president at the time, depleted their stock of the distillates needed to produce the insecticide Flit, causing a nationwide shortage...:maybe:...Ben
That is an awesome bird. We have one on display at our local aviation museum. The technology that went into to it's making is incredible.
Have we stalled out on manned flight technology? No men back to the moon since that era and no airplane approaching the Blackbird’s limits since.
We (and the Chinese, Russians) have developed ramjet technology, which is faster than the Blackbird, but not suitable for human flight because of the vibration, I would speculate.
Here is a series of short videos about the Blackbird...And a playlist page from the Armstrong Flight Research Center...:nerd:...Ben
I saw the only Blackbird in my life at the Air Graveyard outside of Tucson, Arizona. Even faded by the desert heat, it was a beautiful sight.
Hunter
My favorite A/C.[ other than the 135 ] Prior to cross training to be a Boom Operator, I was in the 9th SRW for a year working on those things. An interesting time for sure.
However to answer the question. The 135 burned regular jet fuel. The Body tanks in the 135 Q model were refueled by a separate single point recepticle and carried the 71s fuel. When not on a mission for the SR, all tanks could be used for the normal fuel to enable the Qs to be used to refuel other receivers. That was a rare occurrence since most SR missions required two tankers and the Qs were reserved for that duty.
I figured you could clear it up, Dick, thanks...:handshake:...Ben
I found this today...:zoom:...Ben
Attachment 36997
Good stuff, 'Bo - thanks.
Hunter