Actually, all of the "retired" SR-71's were put back into service a few
years ago after it was learned that there was no current substitute. It is
doubtful that there is a current replacement since they are still using
them. I heard a few museums had their 71's snatched away by the Government.
I am not sure, but I don't think any museums have any on display currently.
I may be wrong, but I remember reading this in an industry magazine
(aviation).
Mark Kuzia
Mark's Diecast Inc.
flyboy01@comcast.net
http://www.dragtruk.com/ENTRIES/kuziamark.html
1995 Dakota "Fastdak"
~360ci, 5-spd, 8 3/4 rear / 3.90-SG
1994 Dakota "Crack Dak"
~318ci, 5-spd, 3.90 LS (bone stock, no mods)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jon N. Benignus" <blkwidow1@primary.net>
To: <dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net>
Sent: Sunday, June 09, 2002 7:47 PM
Subject: Re: DML: SR-71 Aircraft
>
> > 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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