Tales of the Blackbird (SR-71)

[Sleek-Jet]

the AMAZING part is.... what's up OUR sleeve, since our "ACE" has been played????????

a few years ago, there were many sonic boom's off So-Cal coast in the evening.....

Stealth UAVs and satellites... Most of the romance is gone.

 

[HALLETT BOY]

SR71 , most bad-ass plane ever ! I like reading in the story about the pilots being alerted missiles were after them , they just advanced the throttles and were gone !

 

[rivrrts429]

My 1st post. Im sorry if i put this add, in the wrong catigory. I'm selling my dad's books and saw this thred, it's an awesome one!
Here is what I have left.

1 great condition signed edition, by the author and American hero Brian Shul "The Untouchables" $250
1 great condition, 1st edition Brian Shul "Sled Driver" $425
1 great condition, 2nd edition Brian Shul "Sled Driver" $300
1 great condition reprinted "Lockheed SR-71 Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions" $40

Text or call me- books located in Lake Havasu City
Thank you
Cash
702) 332-2440
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That’s amazing stuff!

 

[rivrrts429]

Maybe a repost but worth watching again, FREEDOM...

 

[Hallett Dave]

Maybe a repost but worth watching again, FREEDOM...

I never get tired of these posts.
Growing up at Edwards AFB I knew most all of the families and the test pilots who flew the U2, SR71, XB70, B58 Hustler.
Great times growing up at Edwards AFB.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Last night on the history channel was a new (2019) show about the sr71 Kelly Johnson and ended with stealth tech. I looked to see if there were any other showings and there we not. The show was called, "Watching Secrets in the Sky: The Untold Story of Skunk Works."

Maybe you guys can find it.

Soooooouper bad assa

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

Last night on the history channel was a new (2019) show about the sr71 Kelly Johnson and ended with stealth tech. I looked to see if there were any other showings and there we not. The show was called, "Watching Secrets in the Sky: The Untold Story of Skunk Works."

Maybe you guys can find it.

Soooooouper bad assa

Duuuuude.. Iwatchedhthatshittoo.

It was extremely interesting to watch the reactions of the pilots that made the initial sorties into Iraq. They weren't sure it would even work. The final tally; ZERO in flight damage from ground fire or missiles.

Then the final statements from those in the know, stating "You'll see what we are working on in 25 years"

Nice tribute to KJ to have him see the last fly over.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Agreed.

All.

Duuuuude.. Iwatchedhthatshittoo.

It was extremely interesting to watch the reactions of the pilots that made the initial sorties into Iraq. They weren't sure it would even work. The final tally; ZERO in flight damage from ground fire or missiles.

Then the final statements from those in the know, stating "You'll see what we are working on in 25 years"

Nice tribute to KJ to have him see the last fly over.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I don't know anything about the current composites involved, but had read all the earlies were toxic as hell. A couple guys I knew were ground crew, and they even told me that gloves and full ppe were needed in working in and on the fuselage of the stealths. Anyone else ever heard that? Anyone know if the newer stuff is different?

 

[HB2Havasu]

I don't know anything about the current composites involved, but had read all the earlies were toxic as hell. A couple guys I knew were ground crew, and they even told me that gloves and full ppe were needed in working in and on the fuselage of the stealths. Anyone else ever heard that? Anyone know if the newer stuff is different?

Yes

 

[Hallett Dave]

Yes

Another YES!

 

[skiracr]

Effing things faster than the earths rotation! Amazing that thing was built so many ears ago.

I was watching a documentary last night on lockeed (sp) this was a major component of the show.

Amazing it was built so long ago, before computers and all the technology we have today. True Engineers using science and physics to work through every problem and scenario. I love the part about how we bought and acquired the titanium to build these amazing machines. Basically we built them to spy on Russia. The CIA created a "shell" company in Europe to buy the titanium from Russia then shipped all the materials to the states for production...to spy on Russia.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Slide rules...Blackbirds and a flag on the moon, with slide rules. That is impressive, both the brain power and the drive to get things handled.

 

[BajaMike]

I saw it fly when I was a kid. Either at March AFB or El Toro. I don't remember which, but I do remember it flew over once with full burner and and shoot the very ground. It then flew over again and you couldn't even hear the plane pass by because it was going so fast. The sound of the SR's engines were wayyyy behind the actual plane.


View attachment 368735

Saw an SR-71 at a March AFB air show in the 80s that was just like what you describe. The plane seemed like it was 1/2 mile ahead of the roar of the engines. Then he lit the afterburners, tipped the nose up high, flames coming out the engines, and he was out of sight in less than 30 seconds.

There’s an interesting Facebook group with lots of pics and stories if you are interested.

 

[wsuwrhr]

I believe it was over 500 shell companies.

I was watching a documentary last night on lockeed (sp) this was a major component of the show.

Amazing it was built so long ago, before computers and all the technology we have today. True Engineers using science and physics to work through every problem and scenario. I love the part about how we bought and acquired the titanium to build these amazing machines. Basically we built them to spy on Russia. The CIA created a "shell" company in Europe to buy the titanium from Russia then shipped all the materials to the states for production...to spy on Russia.

 

[wsuwrhr]

I learned through the show that the "pylon" (my term) in the engine moves forward and back relative to speed to stop the shock wave in the intake housing to get the air flowing through the engine correctly. Just wild.

 

[Skinny Tire AH]

I learned through the show that the "pylon" (my term) in the engine moves forward and back relative to speed to stop the shock wave in the intake housing to get the air flowing through the engine correctly. Just wild.

I was also very surprised to learn the U2 is still flying missions.

 

[4Waters]

I learned through the show that the "pylon" (my term) in the engine moves forward and back relative to speed to stop the shock wave in the intake housing to get the air flowing through the engine correctly. Just wild.

Simple, I don't know why everyone doesn't have one of these in their garage.

 

[skiracr]

I believe it was over 500 shell companies.

 

[BajaMike]

Simple, I don't know why everyone doesn't have one of these in their garage.

That engine is a marvel of technology. Great video!

 

[wsuwrhr]

I can prolly figure a couple mmmmmilllion reasons why likely no one has one in their garage....

Simple, I don't know why everyone doesn't have one of these in their garage.

 

[4Waters]

I can prolly figure a couple mmmmmilllion reasons why likely no one has one in their garage....

With just a few hand tools anyone should be able to build one.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I can prolly figure a couple mmmmmilllion reasons why likely no one has one in their garage....

Psst...they have one sitting on a service cart next to the 'bird at March

My grandfather was a "masheenest", like you...but quite a bit earlier...in the world or aerospace...in the 40s through the 60s. When I saw the 'bird at March, you're damn right I asked the docent if I could touch the fuselage!

 

[Nordie]

With just a few hand tools anyone should be able to build one.

All you need is a slide rule

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[monkeyswrench]

All you need is a slide rule

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...and an 80 year old engineer to translate. Does anyone teach the use of those anymore?

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Last night on the history channel was a new (2019) show about the sr71 Kelly Johnson and ended with stealth tech. I looked to see if there were any other showings and there we not. The show was called, "Watching Secrets in the Sky: The Untold Story of Skunk Works."

Maybe you guys can find it.

Soooooouper bad assa

Thank you. Just found it and turned it on in the History Channel app.

Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

 

[Kbach]

My dad, who worked in Skunk works for almost 40 yrs gave me a heads up that it was going to be on so I watched it last night. Still hard to believe the technology behind all of Lockheed's designs over the years. I still bug my dad about what else he saw back then and he just laughs at me...even though he's been retired for about 20 years!! He was in communications so had to travel to several of the bases for work but never said anything back then, he just came home from work like it was "just another day at the office"

When he retired they gave him a framed flag that was flown in the SR or U2 (can't remember) as well as a cool pic of the SR signed by several coworkers. He's also got a couple of books signed by Johnson and Rich. I'm going to have to go thumb threw them with him and my 12 yr old son so he can understand how cool his grandpa is!

 

[Sleek-Jet]

Hopefully one of those books is "Skunk Works" by Ben Rich. A great read.

 

[wsuwrhr]

.....course the brains to have the idea that needed the slide rule in the first place....

I see you posting often again. Good to see you around again.

All you need is a slide rule

 

[Blackmagic94]

SR-72 drone is in testing phase right now with Skunkworks

 

[squeezer]

...and an 80 year old engineer to translate. Does anyone teach the use of those anymore?

I have a slide rule and can do basic operations on it... One of my physics professors in University had a standing challenge to any student to try and beat him solving problems with a calculator. His only rule was 3 significant digits. Nobody ever beat him.

 

[wsuwrhr]

....and I think they kinda stumbled upon it on accident when the SR-71 slanted in stabilizers didn't send back a signal.

And the F117 facet design was based on a theoretical paper written by a Russian mathmetician.

 

[monkeyswrench]

View attachment 763207



I have a slide rule and can do basic operations on it... One of my physics professors in University had a standing challenge to any student to try and beat him solving problems with a calculator. His only rule was 3 significant digits. Nobody ever beat him.

I've been kind of looking for one locally. Maybe a retired engineer's yard sale or such. I have found them online, and should probably just order a new one. I kind of look at it like compass and map navigation, another skill that won't hurt to have. One of my friends used to say "You should try learning something new everyday. You stop learning the day you die!" He was the smartest guy I ever met. I think he taught mechanical engineering at Cal Poly, and a year or so here at the flight school.

 

[gqchris]

My dad, who worked in Skunk works for almost 40 yrs gave me a heads up that it was going to be on so I watched it last night. Still hard to believe the technology behind all of Lockheed's designs over the years. I still bug my dad about what else he saw back then and he just laughs at me...even though he's been retired for about 20 years!! He was in communications so had to travel to several of the bases for work but never said anything back then, he just came home from work like it was "just another day at the office"

When he retired they gave him a framed flag that was flown in the SR or U2 (can't remember) as well as a cool pic of the SR signed by several coworkers. He's also got a couple of books signed by Johnson and Rich. I'm going to have to go thumb threw them with him and my 12 yr old son so he can understand how cool his grandpa is!

My Dad is retired Air Force and would fly every week out to Area 51 for work. The plane was always guarded by Armed MP's. To this day, he STILL wont tell me what the heck he did or saw out there! These old timers keep their word! Just turned 73 years old.

He would say the same thing, "Just another day at the office".

 

[Blackmagic94]

....and I think they kinda stumbled upon it on accident when the SR-71 slanted in stabilizers didn't send back a signal.

Nope stole the original idea from a soviet engineer who wrote a white paper about it in the 70s then used a shit ton of Cray Supercomputers to crunch the numbers of what shapes would actually work.

 

[wsuwrhr]

The show about the blackbird I posted said they kinda stumbled upon it when the stabilizers didn't show up on a radar cross section because of the way they are slanted in......and the Russian paper was discovered as well.

Nope stole the original idea from a soviet engineer who wrote a white paper about it in the 70s then used a shit ton of Cray Supercomputers to crunch the numbers of what shapes would actually work.

 

[j21black]

This sure looks like we splashed an Alien Spaceship. B-2

I've seen a few B-2 flyovers at Nascar races - What it crazy to me is it Flies over, and you hear nothing. The bomber gets nearly out of site before you finally hear it. They say the bombs will drop and explode before you ever hear the jets engines, and I believe it. How the hell do you make a plane do that? I get how Stealth tech works, I've visited the company that makes the classified paint for it on election day in 2000, but how they hide sound like that is crazy.

Love the SR-71 since I first caught a glimpse of it in that movie Daryl when I was a little kid.

 

[footer]

Can anybody figure out from the History channel webiste when this show might air again?

 

[Dog boy]

View attachment 527094 My father worked at Lockheed and at the time the Blackbird was flight tested at area 51.He would fly out of Burbank on Sunday and spend two weeks at a time at the site,that's what the guy's who worked there called area 51.He worked at the site for a year back in the 1960's and not until they flew the Blackbird to the Paris air show did he tell me that was the aircraft he had worked on.I have a autographed pic from Kelly Johnson that he signed for me before he passed away when I worked at Lockheed..

The pilots were some real badasses!

 

[HCP3]

I've seen a few B-2 flyovers at Nascar races - What it crazy to me is it Flies over, and you hear nothing. The bomber gets nearly out of site before you finally hear it. They say the bombs will drop and explode before you ever hear the jets engines, and I believe it. How the hell do you make a plane do that? I get how Stealth tech works, I've visited the company that makes the classified paint for it on election day in 2000, but how they hide sound like that is crazy.

Good question that probably won't be answered until the B-2 is fully declassified (probably never). Fun fact: The media is banned from taking pictures of the rear of the B-2 when at an Air Force base.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Good question that probably won't be answered until the B-2 is fully declassified (probably never). Fun fact: The media is banned from taking pictures of the rear of the B-2 when at an Air Force base.

I wonder if it's the same, or different tech than the "silent helicopters". That was the rumor why they scattered the one at Bin Lama's compound.

 

[j21black]

I wonder if it's the same, or different tech than the "silent helicopters". That was the rumor why they scattered the one at Bin Lama's compound.

I would think it would have to be different, maybe loosely based on the same principles......

 

[Hallett Dave]

My Dad is retired Air Force and would fly every week out to Area 51 for work. The plane was always guarded by Armed MP's. To this day, he STILL wont tell me what the heck he did or saw out there! These old timers keep their word! Just turned 73 years old.

He would say the same thing, "Just another day at the office".

Your Dad probably flew out of Plant 42 en route to Area 51 on Janet 03W.
I used to work those aircraft through R-2515.
They always filed their flight plans to Desert Rock which was a small closed airport with an Xed out runway.
Once they exited our airspace they went low level and dropped off our RADAR and contacted Nellis AFB Approach.
I knew what their final destination was.
I grew up at Edwards AFB from 1959 to 1971.
I knew a lot of the U-2, SR-71, YF-12, B-58, XB-70, X-15 pilots and their families.
During the Cuban Crisis Edwards AFB had a squadron of F-106s ready to go on alert, with nuke missiles.
Fun time growing up there, however, even more fun working there from 1980 to 2017 as a mission controller and airspace manager for R-2515 and R-2508 Complex.

 

[bowtiejunkie]

My Dad is retired Air Force and would fly every week out to Area 51 for work. The plane was always guarded by Armed MP's. To this day, he STILL wont tell me what the heck he did or saw out there! These old timers keep their word! Just turned 73 years old.

He would say the same thing, "Just another day at the office".

With the government basically denying the existence of Area 51 for decades (except for a redaction slip up on a released document in the 1990's) until docs were released in 2013(?) disclosing Area 51, did you know it as Area 51 back when you were a kid living at home? Or did you put two and two together at some point?

 

[Blackmagic94]

The show about the blackbird I posted said they kinda stumbled upon it when the stabilizers didn't show up on a radar cross section because of the way they are slanted in......and the Russian paper was discovered as well.

Blackbird ain’t stealth yo. Lower RO then normal but no where near what the f117 and later stuff. Black bird used speed

 

[wsuwrhr]

Never said it was.....where did you read that yo? Do you need me to spell it for you again?

Blackbird ain’t stealth yo. Lower RO then normal but no where near what the f117 and later stuff. Black bird used speed

 

[highvoltagehands]

LMAO "Yo".

 

[Cole Brewed]

Can anybody figure out from the History channel webiste when this show might air again?

I did an on demand search on Directv and recorded.

I was on the tarmac @ Burbank airport when the SR71 saluted , 3 flybys, 1st in mellow, second real slow wing tip salute, third low then full afterburner straight up until outta sight. I actually was riveted to the show, what an awesome documentary on an even more talented risk taking group! I actually grew up across the tracks 4 houses away from Lockheed Burbank. Now the empire center , tributes to the industry. As a kid I had no clue , such an incredible opportunity I had to be on the tarmac that day and to go to Van Nuys airport to see the 117 .

 

[Flying_Lavey]

View attachment 763207



I have a slide rule and can do basic operations on it... One of my physics professors in University had a standing challenge to any student to try and beat him solving problems with a calculator. His only rule was 3 significant digits. Nobody ever beat him.

Where are you from? Referring to it as "University" is very European sounding....

Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

 

[Sleek-Jet]

I've seen a few B-2 flyovers at Nascar races - What it crazy to me is it Flies over, and you hear nothing. The bomber gets nearly out of site before you finally hear it. They say the bombs will drop and explode before you ever hear the jets engines, and I believe it. How the hell do you make a plane do that? I get how Stealth tech works, I've visited the company that makes the classified paint for it on election day in 2000, but how they hide sound like that is crazy.

Love the SR-71 since I first caught a glimpse of it in that movie Daryl when I was a little kid.

Not to kill any of the magic, but the B2 drops its loads from mid to high altitudes, so yeah you won't hear it till after the ordinance impacts. It doesn't have to sneak along the ground since it is all but invisible to RADAR and the human eye for that matter.

They buried the engines in the fuselage and have huge diffusers that mask both sound and more importantly, IR signatures. The F117 had earlier similar technology for the same reason.