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Thread: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

  1. #1
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    Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

    The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible - Arthur C. Clarke

  2. #2
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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......Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

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    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.
    OPINION....a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

  4. #4
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    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.
    ...............
    “You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out.” — Too fundamental to have an attribution


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    Quote Originally Posted by wacojoe View Post
    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.
    OPINION....a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Honda View Post
    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
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

  7. #7
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    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.
    ...............
    “You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out.” — Too fundamental to have an attribution


  8. #8
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    Here is a series of short videos about the Blackbird...And a playlist page from the Armstrong Flight Research Center......Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

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    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
    I don't care if it hurts. I want to have control. I want a perfect body. I want a perfect soul. - Creep by Radiohead

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Truckman View Post
    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.
    OPINION....a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

  11. #11
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    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.

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    I figured you could clear it up, Dick, thanks......Ben
    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

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    I found this today......Ben

    Click image for larger version. 

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    The future is forged on the anvil of history...The interpreter of history wields the hammer... - Unknown author...

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by UTAH View Post
    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

  15. #15
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    Good stuff, 'Bo - thanks.

    Hunter
    I don't care if it hurts. I want to have control. I want a perfect body. I want a perfect soul. - Creep by Radiohead

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