From to , the Lockheed SR Blackbird spy plane was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft. Get the insider perspective on all 50 models of this storied jet. At the height of the Cold War in , President Johnson announced a new aircraft dedicated to strategic reconnaissance. The Lockheed SR Blackbird spy plane flew more than three-and-a-half times the speed of sound, so fast that no other aircraft could catch it.
Above 80, feet, its pilots had to wear full-pressure flight suits similar to what was used aboard the space shuttle. Developed by the renowned Lockheed Skunk Works, the SR was an awesome aircraft in every respect, and it took the world by storm.
The SR was in service with the U. Air Force from to , when it was withdrawn from use, superseded by satellite technology. Twelve of the thirty-two aircraft were destroyed in accidents, but none were ever lost to enemy action. It set world records for altitude and speed: an absolute altitude record of 85, feet on July 28, , and an absolute speed record of 2, On September 1, , it set a speed and time record over a recognized course between New York and London 3, miles of 1, Nicknamed "The Sled" by those few who flew it, the aircraft was shrouded in secrecy from its inception.
Entering the U. Air Force inventory in , the SR was the fastest, highest flying jet aircraft in the world. Now for the first time, a Blackbird pilot shares his unique experience of what it was like to fly this legend of aviation history. Examines the history of the reconnaissance plane, discussing its development, manufacture, and active service from an insider prespective. Put your pressure suit on and strap yourself in for a Mach 3 ride! Graham provides a detailed look at the entire SR story beginning with his application to be an SR pilot through commanding an entire wing.
At that time, the Cold War was at its height and the SR was an integral element in securing crucial intelligence from all parts of the globe. The highly sensitive nature of its missions couldn't be compromised, and it wasn't until the end of the Cold War that the operational exploits of this incredible aeronautical masterpiece could be openly written about.
As time passed has more and more information has come to light, with a vast number of official documents declassified and key military figures able to talk openly about the Blackbird programme. Entering the U. Air Force inventory in , the SR was the fastest, highest flying jet aircraft in the world. Now for the first time, a Blackbird pilot shares his unique experience of what it was like to fly this legend of aviation history. Add another edition?
Sled driver Brian Shul. Donate this book to the Internet Archive library. If you own this book, you can mail it to our address below. Want to Read. Delete Note Save Note. Check nearby libraries Library. Share this book Facebook. Author : Paul F. The SR represents the very pinnacle of Cold War aircraft design and it has become an aviation icon.
Together with its predecessor, the A, the Blackbird was a giant leap into the technical unknown and the design employed many forms of new technology made necessary by the excesses of speed, altitude and temperature to which the aircraft was subjected.
Throughout its year Air Force career, the SR proved itself to be the world's fastest and highest flying operational manned aircraft.
It set a number of world records for altitude and speed, including an absolute altitude record of 85,ft on 28 July , and an absolute speed record of 2, This truly was a unique and ground-breaking aircraft, whose fascinating design history is explored here in full and illuminated with photographs and detailed technical illustrations. From to , the Lockheed SR Blackbird spy plane was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned aircraft.
Get the insider perspective on all 50 models of this storied jet. Dufresne This in-depth look into the SR aircraft was a guide for maintenance personnel. Author Leroy A. Dufresne has several years experience working on the SR in maintenance and teaching. Hopefully the book will answer a variety of questions for those who have heard of the SR or have seen it in person. This book was intended to help as a training aid to the maintainer, and now it is scaled down for the common person to have a bit more insight into the insides of this marvelous aircraft.
Lockheed's SR Blackbird is one of the most iconic and famous jets ever built. Assembled in secret at Lockheed's Skunkworks, the Blackbird's vital statistics remain phenomenal decades later. It holds the airspeed record for a manned jet aircraft, operated at an altitude other aircraft could barely touch and was a marvel of technical engineering.
Drawing on declassified material, leading SR expert Paul Crickmore reveals the history of the most fascinating of aircraft, accompanied by a range of fantastic illustrations, photographs and facts about the world's most secret spy plane. Examines the history of the reconnaissance plane, discussing its development, manufacture, and active service from an insider prespective.
Merlin and Tony Moore have located more than crash sites of exotic aircraft from Edwards air Force Base and Area Together, they have recovered parts of supersonic rocket planes, stealthy spy craft, and vehicles that have reached the edge of space.
Limited to relatively few volumes which sold out from the publisher within days. He has written four books on aviation and runs a photo studio in Marysville, California. Air Force inventory inthe SR was the fastest, highest flying jet aircraft in the world.
We needed hours in the jet to complete our training and attain Mission Ready status. A pair of beasts: Now, if only someone wrote a similar tome about the MiG 25 Foxbat. Read more Read less. Shattering the still quiet of that morning, they now had feet of fire-breathing titanium in their face as the plane leveled and accelerated, in full burner, on the tower side of the infield, closer than expected, maintaining what could only be described as some sort of ultimate knife-edge pass.
The helmet helped save me when I was stuck in that burning cockpit — I had a helmet and visor, but my visor started to melt. I read the book once, then read it again the n Unbelievable read. Just at the moment that both afterburners lit with a thunderous roar of flame and what a joyous feeling that wasthe aircraft fell into full view of the shocked observers on the tower.
Good detail of the engines, fuels and control thereof that have made this record beating plane.
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