SR-71 Blackbird Walk Around -Aircraft Number 32

The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union drove the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to obtain accurate information regarding Soviet intentions and capabilities. The CIA began overflights of the Soviet Union with U-2s in 1956, but a more advanced successor was soon required. Lockheed's Advanced Development Projects Company - the 'Skunk Works' - responded to the CIA's need by designing a highly advanced aircraft, the A-12. This single-seat aircraft entered service in the early 1960s and was capable of flying just over three times the speed of sound at altitudes exceeding 80, 000 feet. The A-12 incorporated major advances in aircraft structure, engines, and sensors. Lockheed developed a pair of two-seat aircraft from the A-12: the YF-12 interceptor prototype, which did not enter service, and the SR-71, which became the US Air Forces's primary strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It streaked over world hotspots collecting vital information for the US and its allies. The SR-71 Blackbird - the fastest, highest flying aircraft known - served in this role until its retirement from service in 1990. 'Black operations' aircraft expert James Goodall takes a detailed look at the A-12, YF-12, and SR-71 variants.Paperback - 11' x 8-1/2' - 80 pages - 40 color, 12 color profiles