LOCKHEED SR-71, BLACKBIRD. OSPREY AIR COMBAT.
1911
First Published
4.32
Average Rating
64
Number of Pages
Part of Series
All you have to do is look at it. Its sinister black shape exudes Mach3 from every angle. It is the fastest air-breathing airplane the world has ever seen, cruising above 99% of the Earth’s atmosphere at speeds in excess of 2100 mph (3380 km/h) for hour after hour. It is the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Operated exclusively by the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron of the US Air Force, Blackbirds glean a wide range of data from ‘collection areas along the periphery of the Soviet Union and zero in on many other regions of special interest. As recently as April 1986, two SR-71s carried out post-strike reconnaissance of Libyan targets hit by the F-111s of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing. At that time, the SR-71 had been in operational service for a little over 20 years, but instead of its role steadily diminishing, the accident which destroyed the Shuttle Challenger, and the failure of two US Air Force Titan 34D launchers (the payloads were KH-11 and Big Bird spy satellites), the capability and inherent flexibility of the SR-71 remain absolutely critical to the effectiveness of US intelligence gathering. LOCKHEED SR-71 BLACKBIRD is the culmination of patient and diligent research by the author, Paul F. Crickmore. For the first time we have a full account of the Blackbird story, including the contributions made by the A-12 proof-of-concept vehicle and YF-12 interceptor. This 200-page book describes the technological leap in aerodynamics, propulsion, materials, and avionics which stretched the state-of-the-art into a new dimension. Here, too, is the story of the men, the missions, and the records which made the Blackbird a legend. Illustrated with over 160 black-and-white photographs (many previously unpublished), and 12 photographs in full colour, LOCKHEED SR-71 BLACKBIRD contains a glossary, appendices (detailing all the 30-½ SR-71s), and an index are also included.
Avg Rating
4.32
Number of Ratings
25
5 STARS
52%
4 STARS
32%
3 STARS
12%
2 STARS
4%
1 STARS
0%
goodreads
