Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

[Mike]

[Truckman]

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......Ben

[Honda]

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.

[wacojoe]

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.

[Honda]

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.

I think the advances in satellite technology have rendered spy planes somewhat obsolete.

[Truckman]

I think the advances in satellite technology have rendered spy planes somewhat obsolete.

Correct...And although the Blackbirds dodged over 4,000 missiles which were launched against them, without a single one even coming close, I don't think they could keep that record today......Ben

[wacojoe]

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.

[Truckman]

Here is a series of short videos about the Blackbird...And a playlist page from the Armstrong Flight Research Center......Ben

[UTAH]

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

[Honda]

Correct...And although the Blackbirds dodged over 4,000 missiles which were launched against them, without a single one even coming close, I don't think they could keep that record today......Ben

Yeah well it's coming the technology already exists to be able to take out satellites.

[Independent Voter]

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.

[Truckman]

I figured you could clear it up, Dick, thanks......Ben

[Truckman]

I found this today......Ben

[Phillbo]

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

The Pima Air Museum in Tucson has one on static display now.

My father and I went down a few years ago to see it. He was one of the chief engineers on the propulsion cooling systems. He was able to teach the tour guide a few things about the bird

[UTAH]

Good stuff, 'Bo - thanks.

Hunter