Presently we have mounted a scale model of the AeroSpike ( X33 access to space vehicle engine ) rocket engine on the top of the SR71. This project is now cancelled. The hot firing has been delayed for a very long time, and was impacting the X-33 flight schedule. Lockheed feels confident that the X-33 can safely fly without the data that would have been provided by the Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE). NASA 844 has been the only flying SR-71A since the Air Force Blackbirds stopped operating. The SR-71B is in storage, drained of fuel, and missing some parts. There is no funding at NASA Dryden to fly the SR-71 in FY99. There are some projects in the works for 2000, but what will happen in the meantime? Will we still have anyone qualified to fly and maintain a Blackbird by then?

Peter Merlin NASA Dryden History Office