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.

23 Nov 1998

SR-71 Blackbird Goes into Flyable Storage

Author: SR Admin  /  Categories: SR-71 History  /  Rate this article:
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My latest intel is that the B model is to undergo its planned Phase inspection and then go into flyable storage for a year or so. I do not know if it'll be flown on a Functional Check Flight when it comes out of Phase before going into flyable storage. Their (NASA's) A model will have the LASRE equipment removed and will be flown at speed twice and then also go into flyable storage for roughly the same period. This is more or less the gap they thought was going to happen in 1998. There is work for the SR, but not immediately, so that's why they're being stored.

NASA still wants two more SRs, I don't know if USAF has made any decision on which two to let them have.

#968 was the SR that was going to next be returned to operational status and had already been moved in preparation for work to start when Billy Jeff vetoed the program. Since now it'll never fly again, it's been moved out of the hangar where it was being stored until disposition instructions are handed down.

No word on where the SRs that don't go to NASA will end up. There is still talk that one may go to a museum in Alaska, but nothing official. If that happens, it would be more practical (and less expensive) to fly it there, provided 967 and 971 aren't allowed to deteriorate to the point where that is no longer feasible. The final USAF engine runs for both of them were around Nov. 10.

 

Editor's note: Info taken from Skunk-Works Digest and written by Art.

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