> He added that the plane flew at 80,000
> feet, had two rather large (for its size) engines,
> and had a flattened fuselage shape (view from front).
> It was painted a flat black color. He thinks that one
> is now on display at the Air Natl Guard museum at the
> MSP Airport. Unfortunately, the museum has been closed
> since the Sept. 11 attacks. No foreseeable date to
> reopen.
The SR flew at altitudes HIGHER than 80k ft-the exact altitude is still
classified, as well as top speed. In fact, the "official" book from the USAF
museum lists the altitude as 85k plus. A couple friends (one was a mechanic,
the other a flight sim programmer for the SR) say "higher than that". The
record FOR ITS CLASS is (was) 85,068.997 ft at 2,193.167 mph. I don't know
about the altitude, but I do know the speed record was eclipsed on a
"retirement" flight before taking the craft out of service.
The engines were Pratt and Whitney (in thrust we trust) J58s with rated
thrust at 32,500 lbs each w/burner.
The SR was a development from the A-12 CIA spy craft (not the cancelled M-D
now Boeing) A-12. There is an A-12 also at Wright-Patterson AFB.
IIRC, there is also a SR at the USS Alabama museum (yes, there are planes
there, too), and a few other places. Most can be made ready to fly in a
short time, as they are subject to recall by the USAF/NASA/CIA. In fact,
three were called back into service during the 90s by NASA for "flight
testing"
I took pics of the craft at Wright-Pat, and gave them to my friend. He
pulled out a log book showing the date, aircraft, and other info of every
plane he worked on (including the one at the museum), including the U-2
"Dragon Lady" and F-105 Thunderchief, aka "Thud".
The data from the development of the SR was valuable in later years as it
was accidentally found to be a "stealthy" design.
Hard to belive this plane was designed in the early 60s and first flew in
64.
Quite a feat in its day without the use of CAD/CAM, and the like. Still
quite a feat today. I doubt a plane to surpass the SR will see the light of
day due to the costs of development (can you say "Aurora").
Proof that good design is timeless-much like our beloved Dakotas.
Jon
STL MO
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