I still think it's cool that the thing leaks gas like a sieve on the
tarmac, and doesn't stop till the skin starts heating up as it
approaches cruising speed, at which point the gaps between the panels
close up due to the expansion of the metal (where it's also a full foot
longer than when it's in the hangar).
George S Willhite wrote:
>
> What amazed me (other than the speed) was the fact
> that the pilot had to wait 2 hours for the aircraft to cool
> down before exiting the cockpit. I read this on a plaque
> next to the plane at the Space and Rocket Center,
> Huntsville, Alabama.
>
> GS -
>
> >>
> Actually they are discussing the SR-71 concept Dakota. But the aircraft
> called the SR-71 was orginally developed as the A-12 which was to deliver
> nuclear weapons deep into the heart of the USSR before the Soviets even knew
> it was there. Hence the development of the MIG-25 to intercept it(later the
> scrapped XB-70 then even later the planned B-1). With the advent of the ICBM
> in the early 60's the A-12 project gave way to the SR-71 which was an A-12
> with the bomb racks removed and camera's put under the nose. The U-2
> eventually took over the for the SR-71 for routine air recon, and the SR-71
> was relegated to high speed photo recon until it was phased out in the 80's.
> I believe 2 71's still fly but with NASA colors...
>
> Greg
> NE# 3779
> 2K1 Neon ES
> Rahway NJ
> ICQ: 283886
> http://24.6.89.18/neon<<
-- -andyhttp://home.twcny.rr.com/andylevy/ --- andylevy@bigfoot.com ------------------------------------------------------------- modesty, n.: Being comfortable that others will discover your greatness -------------------------------------------------------------
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