The most popular exhibit at the Air and Space museum is the SR-71 Blackbird. Outside of the opposite sex or the occasional automobile, there are not many opportunities to describe something as sexy–the SR-71 is an exception in my opinion. These pictures don’t really do the aircraft justice I’m afraid. Standing in the rear of the aircraft and seeing just how thin it is in areas…this aircraft really is an amazing feat of engineering. This aircraft’s payload, however, was very serious business. I suspect the SR-71 will serve as a good reminder of the Cold War.
From above the aircraft looks so flat, like the head of a viper in many ways – strike quick and strike silent (both this aircraft and the viper)
The jet engines are enormous compared to most of the jet aircraft, no doubt required for flying at supersonic speeds
Not completely related to stealth bombers, which I suspect will remain a vital part of military fleets for years to come, it is interesting to note that the age of the fighter plane seems to have come to and end. With many nations facing broken economies and no need for vehicle-to-vehicle direct combat, the order books for the F22, F35, Eurofighter Typhoon and other next-generation fighters are drying up. In greater demand are the remotely controlled drone aircraft controlled via satellite in remote locations hidden across the globe. Just as the submarine has replaced the battleship and aircraft carrier in naval fleets, drones are replacing the need for jet aircraft in the air areana. Fewer pilots will be put at risk in the future, a good thing of course, but remotely controlled drones bring new problems to the table. Times are changing for sure.
A friend of mine who lived close to Folsom Lake in northern California once saw an SR-71 in the sky above the lake. We presumed it was from Beale AFB in nearby Marysville.
I cannot imagine seeing in real flight, that must have been a sight. With it’s flat looking body from above or below, there must have been no mistaking it.