The SR-71 Blackbird

The CIA A-12 Blackbird Program

 

The A-12 started out as an USAF interceptor to replace the cancelled F-108A Rapier. In October 1962, CIA authorized the Skunk Works to study the feasibility of modifying the A-12 to carry and deploy a reconnaissance drone for unmanned overflight of denied areas. The project was codenamed TAGBOARD.

SR-71A Blackbird #17951 / #2002

SR-71A Blackbird #17951 / #2002

SR-71A 17951, on display at Pima Air Museum in Tucson, AZ, is the matriarch of the SR fleet. She is the oldest surviving SR-71 with only one produced before her, 17950, which was lost to a fire on the runway.

Author: SR Admin
0 Comments
Article rating: 3.8
RSS