Welcome to the legendary Mach 3 family: A-12 - the first one: czcams.com/video/Pymn9gJIfu4/video.html YF-12 interceptor: czcams.com/video/hq-tvsdTQao/video.html M-21 and D-21 - mothership and drone: czcams.com/video/Q_6sd6Nh3go/video.html
"fastest of the time" All official aviation records have been ratified and recorded by Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) since 1906. The last two speed records were made by SR-71 aircraft with 3rd place being a Soviet MiG. So the SR-71 isn't the "fastest of the time", it is the current speed record holder for air breathing jet aircraft.
Having been brought up in a home directly connected with Aviation, I've always enjoyed traveling by plane, but I've never felt a need to watch them with any great pathos or admiration, with their bellies full of luggage and grumbling passengers. However, when I see a film like this one about the SR-71, I just go weak with joy. It inspires something in me, very hard to describe. It is pure art. When you see something so perfect, a Renaissance Painting, a sculpture by Michelangelo, or a building of architectural perfection in perfect harmonic proportions, it's hard not to just be sucked into it magical vortex, and let it take your mind for the ride of your life. Damn, Skunk Works you're good!
Awesome video as always! There will never be an aircraft like her ever again. Long live the Blackbird! Been waiting for a video on the SR-71 Blackbird for some time and it's well worth the wait.^^
I was there in Okinawa during that era, I watched this magnificent aircraft take off several times per week, there was nothing else in the sky that could even come close. The Habu raigned supreme!
@@kiwidiesel you've been waiting? like waiting for one to just pop up in front of you? There are vids of this plane a decade old, which is about your age right?. this is not the world's fastest airplane, by far. It's the x-15
@@SkyshipsEng oh ok 😅 I thaught because there where so many infos about the PC 12 / PC 24 in your videos, that you had a "insider tour" offert by them. Q: ever thaught about the Li-2 plane to give a video?
@@SkyshipsEng One quibble: It's simply untrue to say "command & budgeting saw no need with the advent of satellites" ... Satellite tracks & times were well known; they'd routinely conceal projects of interest, meaning _only surprise observation_ was useful in detecting the most secretive programs. Otherwise -- what would be the rationale for which the program is (supposedly) being revived with some antecedent aircraft..?
The SR-71 HAS to be my all time favorite bird. I actually got to see the model on display in Huntsville, Alabama. Sleek, beautiful, graceful, elegant, dripping with jaw-dropping power, sexy, and timeless. She is as mystical and majestic now as when she took her first flight. For something designed, built, and that flew for the first time 10 years before I was born, she is STILL a marvel of engineering ahead of her time, even by today's standards. Thanks for an absolutely fantastic video.
I have been so lucky to sit in the cockpit of the SR-71 in Seattle in the 90s at a governors convention as a kiddo, little did I know I would become a designer. It sure has always inspired me though.
Some beautiful images from The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton Ohio. They (A12, SR71) are in the same hanger as the XB70 Valkyrie. Truly magnificent aircraft.
The USAF Museum doesn't have an A-12. They have an SR-71A but the other Blackbird in the collection is the sole-surviving YF-12A variant. I know because I've been to the museum twice in person and have seen that plane. The prototype radar used in the YF-12A (which has a bulbous, more fighter-type nose with cutback chines) was similar to the later AWG-9/APG-71 series the F-14 used. They adapted the AIM-4 missile airframe for the GAR(?) missiles the YF-12A test-fired and those further evolved into the AIM-54 Phoenix the F-14 deployed with.
@@dystopianlucidity4448 No worries. The YF-12A and M-21 are basically tandem seat versions of the A-12. They modified the camera bay behind the pilot to seat a second crewman and provide space for his controls (drone launch for the M-21, missile launch/radar control for the YF-12). They didn't change the dimensions of the A-12 when it was modified into the YF-21 and M-21. The SR-71 is a little bit longer than the A-12 because they added a stinger tail... I don't know if the stinger tail in the -71 is for extra fuel or ECM hardware. The A-12T is different because the instructor(?) seat is elevated behind the student/pilot. The A-12T IMHO is the ugliest of the Blackbirds. The SR-71 trainers (B and C) look better than the A-12T. The A-12T is also the only Blackbird airframe displayed with raw titanium. All the other Blackbird airframes were painted black all over.
I remember seeing the SR-71 outside at Dulles Airport as a kid coming back from one of my dads business trips (she was on her way to a climate-controlled hangar till the museum was completed.) To this day, I have to simply stop and stare in awe at the blackbird when I visit the Udvar Hazy NASM in Chantilly VA. I always tell people; the last time this specific aircraft’s wheels touched the ground upon arrival here at Dulles, it had just set multiple word speed records which still stand to this day, and will likely never be broken. THAT is how incredible the SR-71 is.
We’ve got one 2 hours down the road from us and it’s awesome! It’s inspired thousands of little boys to join the Air Force or become engineers. Small wonder that area is home to a sprawling aerospace industry. Truly a sight to behold.
It’s amazing to think that in about the same time that it would take you to drive to see the one on display, when that same plane was in service, it could have flown from NYC to London in about the same time (factoring in the required rendezvous with a KC-135Q immediately after takeoff).
I remember living in Okinawa and seeing the SR-71, a.k.a. Blackbird, and Habu coming in for a landing.... Just to see this baby flying in the sky was the most beautiful plane ever.... proud to be an American..... awesome....
I love your channel! You did an excellent job on the SR71 series! I was the sub that asked for this when you did the U2 and you said you had something big coming and you were right! I love your channel and you truly are a CZcams gem!
Thank you for your extremely informative and well researched video...I like to think of myself knowing a fair bit about the SR-71, but have learnt quite a few new things about this most beautiful and gracious of aircraft so far ahead of its time. It's such a shame that the "HABU" was retired, but the economics of maintaining it among the ever cheaper and cost efficiency of deploying satellites and their real time information was unfortunately its deathknell...a true loss to our skies, but a beautiful memory to hold on to with videos such as this. Thank you again, and cheers from Australia!!!!
I always pay attention when someone calls her "HABU"... I've got a special connection with her. My Father, Col. Thomas Allocca, FLEW her from 1970-74!! He also worked on the D-21 Drone project WITH Kelly Johnson, at " Groom Lake"! Kelly spent time at our house at Beale AFB. Him and Chuck Yeager, were the most fascinating people I've ever known - after my Dad.
Fantastic show mate, thank you for posting... The first time I saw this was at an air show at RAF Mildenhall when I was a boy, the windows were all blacked out for obvious reasons but it was absolutely amazing to look at and it totally blew me away...... I've adored it ever since.
My brother was one of the SR 71 mechanics. He never talked about it but he gave me a Revell model of the plane and told me that was the plane he worked on.
1962: A-12 flew for the first time. 58 years earlier - Orville and Wilber Wright flew a powered fabric kite a distance barely a few feet more then the length of an A-12. What an tremendous advance in technology in such a short time period. Makes you wonder what modern "archangels" are lurking about today! Still - the Blackbird family was an amazing technical achievement for its time.
Whats more insane is just a few years later we put men on the moon. So we went from not even getting off the ground to landing on the moon in a little over 60 years. 🤯
"USAF Chief of Staff General Curtis LeMay preferred the SR (Strategic Reconnaissance) designation and wanted the RS-71 to be named SR-71. Before the July speech, LeMay lobbied to modify Johnson's speech to read "SR-71" instead of "RS-71"." - From Archangel to Senior Crown: Design and Development of the Blackbird, Peter W Merlin, 2005.
This video has great details that you typically don't find in other SR-71 videos. Given the details you provided, I am surprised you did not mention the "dipsy doodle" maneuver they performed after refueling in order to facilitate acceleration.
Awesome video of an awesome aircraft! I lived in West Berlin in the late 60s, and the 70s so the sound of the speed barrier being broken was very familiar. (The Soviet Air Force in East Germany did it to try to intimidate the West Berliners.) When we visited the Puma Air Museum a few years ago I got to touch the fuselage of the SR71 - felt I shouldn't wash my hand ever again😍
Sometimes it seems to me that the Cold War was a fan for engineers on both sides. Kinda big scientific and technological sport, with the opportunity to get almost unlimited resources for their work on the verge of science fiction.
"It became a thorn in our side.. when it was necessary to keep two eyes on the prize. We could have done without keeping half an eye trained on faster and, well, 3rd generation.. you know.. more sophisticated SA missiles. We had some close calls.. Then of course the Foxbat was passing Mach 3.2.. at least one did anyway.. over Isreal.. and we knew it was only a matter of time. We didn't want to play dangerous games.. you know, risking an intercept in hostile.. [ ] See? ..So we started skirting borders, and our reconnaissance equipment was becoming very powerful and far reaching.. So we got memos from Robert [McNamara, Sec Def.] not to encroach unless absolutely necessary.. you understand? ..So yeah.. We took nothing for granted." Marta Bohn-Mayer, 1990 An enlightening interview, for Janes, and a fascinating insight into the minds of SR-71 pilots and REOs in the 1960s and 70s. I loved the point in the video when he said 'they didn't want to spoil the statistics' lol. It kept everyone on their A-game. Awesome aircraft. Love it.
At Mach 3 the simple act of overbanking could result in the plane cartwheeling and disintegrating. This led to an interesting and simple instrumentation fix using lasers.
No. The laser horizon was installed due to _pilot disorientation,_ which incidents were potentially leading to the future loss of aircraft. They weren't installed because the plane would crash if it was overbanked.
@guitarsarelikestupid7200 The laser was not in the original design and therefore the flight envelope was not related to its addition. It was used to alleviate pilot disorientation.
Excellent coverage!!! Followed and studied this amazing airplane since I was a kid back in the 70's.... Not much new info, but you have seriously covered most parts of the history! THANK YOU... Subscibing
I've only been a subscriber to this channel for a few months & I have to say I'm VERY impressed with the unique video & pics seen here. Footage I've NEVER seen anywhere else- especially for this video. I've watched everything I could get my hands on about this plane for the last 20 yrs & am very impressed with the research & rare images, as well as information presented here. Love the channel- can't wait for more-
In 1998,while I was working on a roof in BlueRidge Georgia,I was surprised to see 2 of these magnificent aircrafts coming in low over the lake on their way to Lockheed Marietta plant,I will never forget that scene
Retired from aviation after 30 years. As a pilot and airplane geek, any time I had the chance to see or fly in a vintage, unique and rare bird I did. Flew on all the WW2 era bombers, one P-51, the rest on display. Got to see, fly and run across most military aircraft including the B-2 dedicated to South Carolina. I had all the clearances, all access and worked for the state's aeronautics Commission so when I had the chance I touched it as she spent the night on the ramp.. I was also able to touch Airforce One twice. "Eagle and Trailblazer IIRC were the SS code names for Bush2 and Clinton and once they were safely off the airport I was able to approach and with relaxed but steady stares allowed me to touch the gear. When the Pope visited I flew top cover and later touched the "Pope Mobile" with permission as it was being stored in our state's hanger which I was a pilot of. All that said, I STILL have not seen a SR-71. It is the last bucket list aircraft I have yet to see.
21:45 In the incident 1987 they were escorted by four SAAB 37 Viggen all the way to Denmark, the SR-71 never landed in Sweden they tried land in Denmark but because of to bad weather they landed In West Germany.
SR-71never made any emergency landing in Sweden but in Norway in Bodö a big NATO base. But Swedish Viggen once resqued a Blackbird from Sovjet interceptors after an engine failure and emergency decend, swedish radar observed the plane and send two Viggen that already was up in air to meet the aircraft and thereby keeping Soviet interceptors from attacking and forcing it to Sovjet. The two first Viggen that intercept SR-71 was low on fule and unarmed but was replaced by two othet Viggen that tock over and eskorted it to German airspace theese swedis pilots got medali from USA for their help. Also one Viggen got radarlock on a Blackbird over Baltic sea that was confirmed by system download of Viggen.
... I reference ... "LA Speed Check" and "Buzzing SacMetro Airport" ... two of my favorite Video's/Stores here on U-Tube. But my favorite is about radio traffic w/ FAA Air Control ... Transmissions: " Requesting Flight level 6000" ... FAA Air Traffic Control " If you can get there ... it's all yours ... (HaHa)" .... there was a single word response ... "Discending" ... QUIET/Radio Silence !!! Every pilot knew instantly ... the fastest baddest plane had transmitted that radio call ...
Two small corrections/comments from the beginning of the video. First according to former SR-71 pilot and 9th Wing Commander Col. Richard Graham the SR-71 did not require IMMEDIATE refueling after takeoff. He said that was a myth. However later he did say they fly to 25,000 ft and hit the tanker on a normal mission so not clear what is exactly necessary. I will say I saw an SR-71 fly at our air show in 1987 in San Bernadino including at least 2 low passes after takeoff before heading over the mountains back to Palmdale without any refueling. This was after doing a single engine test the day before the air show. Apparently it had enough fuel to make it that far. However it did leak fuel after the static engine run once they put it back into the hanger. Second is Palmdale is not technically an USAF base. It is called Plant 42 and is partially government owned and now operated by Edwards AFB although technically owned by Wright-Patterson AFB per Wikipedia. Palmdale and Edwards AFB are 2 different places although somewhat "close" together. Still a bit of a drive from Palmdale to Edwards AFB as Edwards is a huge base. Just from the main west gate to main base is a bit of a drive, not to mention further to get to NASA Dryden/Armstrong test facility. Made the drive myself numerous times including to watch the Space Shuttle land on Runway 22. Otherwise great video. Спасибо! ;-)
And, the fuel tanks were indeed purged and pressurized on the ground, not after takeoff. I'm surprised anyone could think it leaked enough to effect when they refueled, that would be a huge lake of fuel on the ground. Fun facts: A whopping 3,000 lbs of fuel is used during ground maneuvers before takoff. 3,000 lbs of fuel at scheduled cruise of Mach 3.17 is enough for an amazing161 miles! Quite fuel efficient.
thank you, that was an excellent video on the black bird, one of the most iconic planes of all time a huge thumbs up and a sub from me and I even hit the bell for you
Sky, you did a fantastic job of presenting this incredible Bird! I would guess being Russian, you paid attention to her as a boy. Just like my friends and I paid attention and respected high performance Russian Aircraft! UNLIKE the ANIMALS (Terrorists) today, the USA/USSR were the last true Warriors. We had a conditional respect for each other, and we both fought with Honor. We both understood that we had the power to DESTROY life on Earth! We both wielded that power more responsibly than anyone else would. . Could you imagine an Islamist with 2000 NUKES?? 😬😵 I'm glad it never came to that. I always pay attention when someone calls her "HABU"... I've got a special connection with her. My Father, Col. Thomas Allocca, FLEW her from 1970-74!! He also worked on the M-21/D-21 Drone project WITH Kelly Johnson, at "Groom Lake"! Kelly spent quite a bit of time at our house at Beale AFB. Him and Chuck Yeager (who trained my Dad on the B-58), were the most fascinating people I've ever known - after my Dad. The "SR-72" is still a pipe dream, with a ton of rumours... but maybe someday someone will come up with an Aircraft that can surpass it. Given that Kelly and the Skunkworks were in the design phase in *1959* says more than anything, what an amazing machine it is!
The best narrative of this beauty of the sky is one called "Sled Driver" because that's what they called themselves manufactured by "Skunkworks" I love that name
SR-71 was an amazing aircraft and proof that metric sucks. It is and was one of the most unique and crazy Jet USAF ever put in the air. The SR's in the museum know that they are the "KING OF SPEED" that we are aware of anyway!
The MIG-25 could reach speeds of Mach 3.2+, but only on a single use basis. The engines were basically done after a wide open run. It could sustain speeds of Mach 2.81, and be reusable.
Exactly - which made it completely useless. It’s entire mission was intercepting this aircraft, which was basically impossible (even if they TOLD you where they were coming from, when to take off, their heading/altitude, etc.) It was just impossible.
@@majorborngusfluunduch8694 Yup, in a perfect world it could match speeds (for a minute) but uh, that doesn’t get you an “intercept” that just gets you a tail for a min. 🤣
Fun fact: Most of Titanium of the SR-71 came Russia, CIA use third party and dummy companies at that time, they’re all buying all of the Titanium, but USSR didn’t know who’s they’re selling the titaniums to. When I saw this story, it made my mind blown.
0:38 "If the national symbol of the United States was an airplane it would be that symbol". Good words, but I think the Queen 747 would be the US sybmol
@@flyerkiller5073 It would be interesting to watch the video about the Soviet MiG-25 and Mig-31. In fact, they were made to intercept the SR-71 and the B-70
Another first class video, fully researched and accurate. Such a treat to watch this kind of video without all the errors so many others seem to pass along as fact. Great job. By the way, and I mead no disrespect, but has anyone ever mentioned you sound a little like strong bad's more educated older brother?
I wish I could fly one through the Grand Canyon at high speed and low altitude. To those who are interested in such things, my 3 favorite aviation/science fiction art books are: - Icon by Frank Frazetta - Beyond the Horizon by John Harris - Great Fighter Jets of the Galaxy by Tim Gibson
Read Janes book: Birth Of Two Legends - Reconnaissance Aircraft: From The U2 to SR-71 - Skunkworks Finest Hour. It's got some cool expanded engineering drawings, and artwork as well as interviews with engineers, program managers, pilots and REOs. You will enjoy it!
Imagine how compact an SR-71 replacement could be in the 2020's considering how far technology and sensors have come in the way of overall physical size, not to mention the fact that the average iPhone is literally a Super Computer compared to 60's computing power.
Welcome to the legendary Mach 3 family:
A-12 - the first one: czcams.com/video/Pymn9gJIfu4/video.html
YF-12 interceptor: czcams.com/video/hq-tvsdTQao/video.html
M-21 and D-21 - mothership and drone: czcams.com/video/Q_6sd6Nh3go/video.html
Retired aircraft and still looks like it's from the future.
Never has the SR71 been described better 😎
Way before it's time
The SR-71 was sexy, analog and the fastest of the time. That's why it became the icon.
"fastest of the time" All official aviation records have been ratified and recorded by Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) since 1906. The last two speed records were made by SR-71 aircraft with 3rd place being a Soviet MiG. So the SR-71 isn't the "fastest of the time", it is the current speed record holder for air breathing jet aircraft.
My grandpa help build it, i miss him
One has to see this in person to appreciate its beauty. The curvature is stunning.
Having been brought up in a home directly connected with Aviation, I've always enjoyed traveling by plane, but I've never felt a need to watch them with any great pathos or admiration, with their bellies full of luggage and grumbling passengers. However, when I see a film like this one about the SR-71, I just go weak with joy. It inspires something in me, very hard to describe. It is pure art. When you see something so perfect, a Renaissance Painting, a sculpture by Michelangelo, or a building of architectural perfection in perfect harmonic proportions, it's hard not to just be sucked into it magical vortex, and let it take your mind for the ride of your life. Damn, Skunk Works you're good!
Awesome video as always!
There will never be an aircraft like her ever again. Long live the Blackbird!
Been waiting for a video on the SR-71 Blackbird for some time and it's well worth the wait.^^
The Godfather of air breathing speed chariots.
I was there in Okinawa during that era, I watched this magnificent aircraft take off several times per week, there was nothing else in the sky that could even come close.
The Habu raigned supreme!
@@kiwidiesel you've been waiting? like waiting for one to just pop up in front of you? There are vids of this plane a decade old, which is about your age right?. this is not the world's fastest airplane, by far. It's the x-15
Finally!!! Skyships has come back - with the darth vader business plane! SPASIBA!!!
That was a long journey)
@@SkyshipsEng quality has its price, more than all in time :)
Hope you felt compy when you where @ Pilatus manufactury in Stans, Switzerland.
@@cessna880 Hm, I didn't visit the Pilatus factory in Stans
@@SkyshipsEng oh ok 😅 I thaught because there where so many infos about the PC 12 / PC 24 in your videos, that you had a "insider tour" offert by them.
Q: ever thaught about the Li-2 plane to give a video?
@@SkyshipsEng One quibble: It's simply untrue to say "command & budgeting saw no need with the advent of satellites" ... Satellite tracks & times were well known; they'd routinely conceal projects of interest, meaning _only surprise observation_ was useful in detecting the most secretive programs. Otherwise -- what would be the rationale for which the program is (supposedly) being revived with some antecedent aircraft..?
The SR-71 HAS to be my all time favorite bird.
I actually got to see the model on display in Huntsville, Alabama.
Sleek, beautiful, graceful, elegant, dripping with jaw-dropping power, sexy, and timeless.
She is as mystical and majestic now as when she took her first flight.
For something designed, built, and that flew for the first time 10 years before I was born, she is STILL a marvel of engineering ahead of her time, even by today's standards.
Thanks for an absolutely fantastic video.
The most beautiful aircraft ever built!
Agreed, but I'd give honorable mention to the F4U Corsair
I have been so lucky to sit in the cockpit of the SR-71 in Seattle in the 90s at a governors convention as a kiddo, little did I know I would become a designer. It sure has always inspired me though.
I'm not calling you a liar, but I doubt it was an actual sr-71. I'm guessing at best was a completely stripped down mock-up. Still very exciting
Some beautiful images from The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton Ohio. They (A12, SR71) are in the same hanger as the XB70 Valkyrie. Truly magnificent aircraft.
My dream to see the XB70 in real live there
The USAF Museum doesn't have an A-12.
They have an SR-71A but the other Blackbird in the collection is the sole-surviving YF-12A variant.
I know because I've been to the museum twice in person and have seen that plane. The prototype radar used in the YF-12A (which has a bulbous, more fighter-type nose with cutback chines) was similar to the later AWG-9/APG-71 series the F-14 used. They adapted the AIM-4 missile airframe for the GAR(?) missiles the YF-12A test-fired and those further evolved into the AIM-54 Phoenix the F-14 deployed with.
@@AvengerII I was there earlier this year, you are correct, it’s the sole remaining YF12. My mistake in nomenclature.
@@SkyshipsEng I truly hope you get the chance. I cannot express what it is like to stand underneath that behemoth.
@@dystopianlucidity4448 No worries. The YF-12A and M-21 are basically tandem seat versions of the A-12. They modified the camera bay behind the pilot to seat a second crewman and provide space for his controls (drone launch for the M-21, missile launch/radar control for the YF-12). They didn't change the dimensions of the A-12 when it was modified into the YF-21 and M-21. The SR-71 is a little bit longer than the A-12 because they added a stinger tail... I don't know if the stinger tail in the -71 is for extra fuel or ECM hardware.
The A-12T is different because the instructor(?) seat is elevated behind the student/pilot. The A-12T IMHO is the ugliest of the Blackbirds. The SR-71 trainers (B and C) look better than the A-12T. The A-12T is also the only Blackbird airframe displayed with raw titanium. All the other Blackbird airframes were painted black all over.
I remember seeing the SR-71 outside at Dulles Airport as a kid coming back from one of my dads business trips (she was on her way to a climate-controlled hangar till the museum was completed.)
To this day, I have to simply stop and stare in awe at the blackbird when I visit the Udvar Hazy NASM in Chantilly VA.
I always tell people; the last time this specific aircraft’s wheels touched the ground upon arrival here at Dulles, it had just set multiple word speed records which still stand to this day, and will likely never be broken. THAT is how incredible the SR-71 is.
We’ve got one 2 hours down the road from us and it’s awesome! It’s inspired thousands of little boys to join the Air Force or become engineers. Small wonder that area is home to a sprawling aerospace industry. Truly a sight to behold.
It’s amazing to think that in about the same time that it would take you to drive to see the one on display, when that same plane was in service, it could have flown from NYC to London in about the same time (factoring in the required rendezvous with a KC-135Q immediately after takeoff).
A great icing on the cake of the Archangels' series. Well done, Sky!
I remember living in Okinawa and seeing the SR-71, a.k.a. Blackbird, and Habu coming in for a landing.... Just to see this baby flying in the sky was the most beautiful plane ever.... proud to be an American..... awesome....
thank you
I love your channel! You did an excellent job on the SR71 series! I was the sub that asked for this when you did the U2 and you said you had something big coming and you were right! I love your channel and you truly are a CZcams gem!
The day we’ve been waiting for has finally come!
Thank you for your extremely informative and well researched video...I like to think of myself knowing a fair bit about the SR-71, but have learnt quite a few new things about this most beautiful and gracious of aircraft so far ahead of its time.
It's such a shame that the "HABU" was retired, but the economics of maintaining it among the ever cheaper and cost efficiency of deploying satellites and their real time information was unfortunately its deathknell...a true loss to our skies, but a beautiful memory to hold on to with videos such as this.
Thank you again, and cheers from Australia!!!!
I always pay attention when someone calls her "HABU"... I've got a special connection with her. My Father, Col. Thomas Allocca, FLEW her from 1970-74!! He also worked on the D-21 Drone project WITH Kelly Johnson, at " Groom Lake"! Kelly spent time at our house at Beale AFB. Him and Chuck Yeager, were the most fascinating people I've ever known - after my Dad.
Been waiting for this one. The most beautiful aircraft ever designed... probably.
Definitely deserves a vote, along with the F4U Corsair.
Skyships, another amazing video once again. I find it amazing that you can make these videos so good but yet so quickly.
Fantastic show mate, thank you for posting... The first time I saw this was at an air show at RAF Mildenhall when I was a boy, the windows were all blacked out for obvious reasons but it was absolutely amazing to look at and it totally blew me away...... I've adored it ever since.
Hey Sky. I'm only into commercial airplanes -oh, AND the SR-71! This was off this planet!
Imagine sipping your wine aboard the Concord at 1,350 mph and this thing goes past at 1,100 mph faster!
In my opinion its a heated race which one is the pinnacle of aerospace/aviation: the Saturn V rocket or the SR-71
OK, I'll play: Saturn V for it's superior range and speed.
I think the X15 deserves a shout out.
PiperCub. A lot of aviators/astro's would have never flown if not for the Cub.
Air breather - SR-71. Rocket propelled atmospheric - X15. Rocket propelled spacecraft - Saturn V. Inexpensive trainer - Piper Cub. Everybody wins
@@billenright2788 The Piper and Cessna 172 trained many of today's aviators. They used to be affordable, too.
My brother was one of the SR 71 mechanics. He never talked about it but he gave me a Revell model of the plane and told me that was the plane he worked on.
1962: A-12 flew for the first time.
58 years earlier - Orville and Wilber Wright flew a powered fabric kite a distance barely a few feet more then the length of an A-12.
What an tremendous advance in technology in such a short time period. Makes you wonder what modern "archangels" are lurking about today! Still - the Blackbird family was an amazing technical achievement for its time.
Whats more insane is just a few years later we put men on the moon. So we went from not even getting off the ground to landing on the moon in a little over 60 years. 🤯
No way dude only 58 years thats incredible. Its amazing we designed the a12 in late 50's only 15 years after ww2.
Crazy advancement times
Yes, the 1960’s, B-70, SR-71 and Concorde. What a time, we won’t see that level of advancement again
"USAF Chief of Staff General Curtis LeMay preferred the SR (Strategic Reconnaissance) designation and wanted the RS-71 to be named SR-71. Before the July speech, LeMay lobbied to modify Johnson's speech to read "SR-71" instead of "RS-71"." - From Archangel to Senior Crown: Design and Development of the Blackbird, Peter W Merlin, 2005.
This video has great details that you typically don't find in other SR-71 videos. Given the details you provided, I am surprised you did not mention the "dipsy doodle" maneuver they performed after refueling in order to facilitate acceleration.
Yes indeed it was the most efficient method for breaking the sound barrier.
Those engines ROAR at take off!
One of man's greatest accomplishments...!
Awesome video of an awesome aircraft! I lived in West Berlin in the late 60s, and the 70s so the sound of the speed barrier being broken was very familiar. (The Soviet Air Force in East Germany did it to try to intimidate the West Berliners.) When we visited the Puma Air Museum a few years ago I got to touch the fuselage of the SR71 - felt I shouldn't wash my hand ever again😍
Sometimes it seems to me that the Cold War was a fan for engineers on both sides. Kinda big scientific and technological sport, with the opportunity to get almost unlimited resources for their work on the verge of science fiction.
"It became a thorn in our side.. when it was necessary to keep two eyes on the prize. We could have done without keeping half an eye trained on faster and, well, 3rd generation.. you know.. more sophisticated SA missiles. We had some close calls.. Then of course the Foxbat was passing Mach 3.2.. at least one did anyway.. over Isreal.. and we knew it was only a matter of time. We didn't want to play dangerous games.. you know, risking an intercept in hostile.. [ ] See? ..So we started skirting borders, and our reconnaissance equipment was becoming very powerful and far reaching.. So we got memos from Robert [McNamara, Sec Def.] not to encroach unless absolutely necessary.. you understand? ..So yeah.. We took nothing for granted."
Marta Bohn-Mayer, 1990
An enlightening interview, for Janes, and a fascinating insight into the minds of SR-71 pilots and REOs in the 1960s and 70s.
I loved the point in the video when he said 'they didn't want to spoil the statistics' lol. It kept everyone on their A-game.
Awesome aircraft. Love it.
At Mach 3 the simple act of overbanking could result in the plane cartwheeling and disintegrating. This led to an interesting and simple instrumentation fix using lasers.
No. The laser horizon was installed due to _pilot disorientation,_ which incidents were potentially leading to the future loss of aircraft. They weren't installed because the plane would crash if it was overbanked.
@@UnitSe7en Beyond 60 degrees at or close to, mach 3 the plane could tumble and the rest is just what I said.
@guitarsarelikestupid7200 The laser was not in the original design and therefore the flight envelope was not related to its addition. It was used to alleviate pilot disorientation.
Excellent coverage!!! Followed and studied this amazing airplane since I was a kid back in the 70's.... Not much new info, but you have seriously covered most parts of the history! THANK YOU... Subscibing
I ❤ this plane soooo much!!
I've only been a subscriber to this channel for a few months & I have to say I'm VERY impressed with the unique video & pics seen here. Footage I've NEVER seen anywhere else- especially for this video. I've watched everything I could get my hands on about this plane for the last 20 yrs & am very impressed with the research & rare images, as well as information presented here. Love the channel- can't wait for more-
The most wonderful aircraft !!!!!!!
The sonic boom sound than usual roaring afterburner sound in the opening tho
In 1998,while I was working on a roof in BlueRidge Georgia,I was surprised to see 2 of these magnificent aircrafts coming in low over the lake on their way to Lockheed Marietta plant,I will never forget that scene
Retired from aviation after 30 years. As a pilot and airplane geek, any time I had the chance to see or fly in a vintage, unique and rare bird I did. Flew on all the WW2 era bombers, one P-51, the rest on display. Got to see, fly and run across most military aircraft including the B-2 dedicated to South Carolina. I had all the clearances, all access and worked for the state's aeronautics Commission so when I had the chance I touched it as she spent the night on the ramp.. I was also able to touch Airforce One twice. "Eagle and Trailblazer IIRC were the SS code names for Bush2 and Clinton and once they were safely off the airport I was able to approach and with relaxed but steady stares allowed me to touch the gear. When the Pope visited I flew top cover and later touched the "Pope Mobile" with permission as it was being stored in our state's hanger which I was a pilot of.
All that said, I STILL have not seen a SR-71. It is the last bucket list aircraft I have yet to see.
You have such amazing videos, brother. They bring me back to my training days. Keep it up!
Fantastic - thanks again for your channel 👍
Awesome video sir, knowing pilots, the "long tail" bird was called... something else.
21:45 In the incident 1987 they were escorted by four SAAB 37 Viggen all the way to Denmark, the SR-71 never landed in Sweden they tried land in Denmark but because of to bad weather they landed In West Germany.
Now Sky needs to do the fastest manned aircraft of all, the X15
SR-71never made any emergency landing in Sweden but in Norway in Bodö a big NATO base. But Swedish Viggen once resqued a Blackbird from Sovjet interceptors after an engine failure and emergency decend, swedish radar observed the plane and send two Viggen that already was up in air to meet the aircraft and thereby keeping Soviet interceptors from attacking and forcing it to Sovjet. The two first Viggen that intercept SR-71 was low on fule and unarmed but was replaced by two othet Viggen that tock over and eskorted it to German airspace theese swedis pilots got medali from USA for their help. Also one Viggen got radarlock on a Blackbird over Baltic sea that was confirmed by system download of Viggen.
I have been in love with this plane since I saw the GI Joe version as a kid.
20:17
*K A D E N A T E A M*
The USAF Planes that made its presence at Kadena AB in Japan.
... I reference ... "LA Speed Check" and "Buzzing SacMetro Airport" ... two of my favorite Video's/Stores here on U-Tube. But my favorite is about radio traffic w/ FAA Air Control ... Transmissions: " Requesting Flight level 6000" ... FAA Air Traffic Control " If you can get there ... it's all yours ... (HaHa)" .... there was a single word response ... "Discending" ... QUIET/Radio Silence !!! Every pilot knew instantly ... the fastest baddest plane had transmitted that radio call ...
Exceptional historical account. Awesome ending.
Great video as always!
Two small corrections/comments from the beginning of the video. First according to former SR-71 pilot and 9th Wing Commander Col. Richard Graham the SR-71 did not require IMMEDIATE refueling after takeoff. He said that was a myth. However later he did say they fly to 25,000 ft and hit the tanker on a normal mission so not clear what is exactly necessary. I will say I saw an SR-71 fly at our air show in 1987 in San Bernadino including at least 2 low passes after takeoff before heading over the mountains back to Palmdale without any refueling. This was after doing a single engine test the day before the air show. Apparently it had enough fuel to make it that far. However it did leak fuel after the static engine run once they put it back into the hanger. Second is Palmdale is not technically an USAF base. It is called Plant 42 and is partially government owned and now operated by Edwards AFB although technically owned by Wright-Patterson AFB per Wikipedia. Palmdale and Edwards AFB are 2 different places although somewhat "close" together. Still a bit of a drive from Palmdale to Edwards AFB as Edwards is a huge base. Just from the main west gate to main base is a bit of a drive, not to mention further to get to NASA Dryden/Armstrong test facility. Made the drive myself numerous times including to watch the Space Shuttle land on Runway 22. Otherwise great video. Спасибо! ;-)
And, the fuel tanks were indeed purged and pressurized on the ground, not after takeoff. I'm surprised anyone could think it leaked enough to effect when they refueled, that would be a huge lake of fuel on the ground. Fun facts: A whopping 3,000 lbs of fuel is used during ground maneuvers before takoff. 3,000 lbs of fuel at scheduled cruise of Mach 3.17 is enough for an amazing161 miles! Quite fuel efficient.
I live just a couple miles from Lockheed Skunk Works, Plant 42 in California . I've seen the SR 71 fly over a handful of times 😁
thank you, that was an excellent video on the black bird, one of the most iconic planes of all time a huge thumbs up and a sub from me and I even hit the bell for you
Sky, you did a fantastic job of presenting this incredible Bird! I would guess being Russian, you paid attention to her as a boy.
Just like my friends and I paid attention and respected high performance Russian Aircraft!
UNLIKE the ANIMALS (Terrorists) today, the USA/USSR were the last true Warriors. We had a conditional respect for each other, and we both fought with Honor. We both understood that we had the power to DESTROY life on Earth! We both wielded that power more responsibly than anyone else would. .
Could you imagine an Islamist with 2000 NUKES?? 😬😵 I'm glad it never came to that.
I always pay attention when someone calls her "HABU"... I've got a special connection with her. My Father, Col. Thomas Allocca, FLEW her from 1970-74!! He also worked on the M-21/D-21 Drone project WITH Kelly Johnson, at "Groom Lake"! Kelly spent quite a bit of time at our house at Beale AFB. Him and Chuck Yeager (who trained my Dad on the B-58), were the most fascinating people I've ever known - after my Dad.
The "SR-72" is still a pipe dream, with a ton of rumours... but maybe someday someone will come up with an Aircraft that can surpass it.
Given that Kelly and the Skunkworks were in the design phase in *1959* says more than anything, what an amazing machine it is!
Have never clicked on a video so fast.
Your in-depth videos are fascinating. Thank you!
Windows in the neighborhood shatter.
Kelly Johnson's neighbor: WTF was that???
Kelly Johnson: Shit happens.
This is one of my heroes, I will be deaf and blind to critism to it. Anyone who questions it gets a Fox 3.
The best narrative of this beauty of the sky is one called "Sled Driver" because that's what they called themselves manufactured by "Skunkworks" I love that name
SR-71 was an amazing aircraft and proof that metric sucks. It is and was one of the most unique and crazy Jet USAF ever put in the air. The SR's in the museum know that they are the "KING OF SPEED" that we are aware of anyway!
LOVELY JOB, OUR DEAREST BROTHER SKY. NICELY DONE AS ALWAYS.
This was very informative and a great video my friend! I really enjoy your concise and well researched videos!
Beautiful bird 🐦 ❤
The MIG-25 could reach speeds of Mach 3.2+, but only on a single use basis. The engines were basically done after a wide open run. It could sustain speeds of Mach 2.81, and be reusable.
Exactly - which made it completely useless. It’s entire mission was intercepting this aircraft, which was basically impossible (even if they TOLD you where they were coming from, when to take off, their heading/altitude, etc.) It was just impossible.
@@EstorilEm Technically the mission of the MiG-25 was to intercept the XB-70, which make it more humorous for obvious reasons.
@@majorborngusfluunduch8694 Yup, in a perfect world it could match speeds (for a minute) but uh, that doesn’t get you an “intercept” that just gets you a tail for a min. 🤣
They make 25 was never documented at exceeding Mach 2.9. Even the Russians agree to this. Don't believe everything you read on the internet.
Beautiful
Given that 1960's planes were something to be appreciated to this day , contemporary 21st century planes looks like 1960's predecessors.
Haha, you're right. Loss of ambitions... and resouces
They were designed by individuals in those days, now it is done by computers, with no human flair or aesthetic feelings
I’m a simple man, I see an SR-71 video, I click.
What a fantastic ride!
Your videos are amazing.
7:00 This suit is-a NAAAAAAAAATTT BLAAAACK!
Fun fact: Most of Titanium of the SR-71 came Russia, CIA use third party and dummy companies at that time, they’re all buying all of the Titanium, but USSR didn’t know who’s they’re selling the titaniums to. When I saw this story, it made my mind blown.
Cool story bro
I wish you well Skyships. You do great work.
i had my audio cranked by accident ... the intro scared the shit out of me lol
Haha, me too)
Slide rule paper and pen designed the SR71.
Lots of great footage, thanks for the video
Great video again, many thanks Sky!
The SR-71 isn't just legendary... it's mythical.
Wow wow wow!!!!! Where did you get footage and photos? Amazing!! Bravo
Love she show, great research and presentation!
Well researched and expertly presented subject, I tip my hat to you sir. NZCH
0:38 "If the national symbol of the United States was an airplane it would be that symbol". Good words, but I think the Queen 747 would be the US sybmol
Na. Its the SR71. If for nothing else, it makes old communists jealous
@@John_Redcorn_ also true
Meh
@@flyerkiller5073 It would be interesting to watch the video about the Soviet MiG-25 and Mig-31. In fact, they were made to intercept the SR-71 and the B-70
It has it merit but it is not even the same. It's like comparing a Pig to a Jaguar
I read along time ago that when the Blackbird was flying at speed that you could have lit a cigarette on the canopy...
"Thats a quarter billion today" mean while the B-2 bomber.. Thats a quarter of a B-2 haha
6:57 awesome photo
Look up sleek in Webster’s Dictionary and you’ll find the definition and a pic of the Blackbird.
Another first class video, fully researched and accurate. Such a treat to watch this kind of video without all the errors so many others seem to pass along as fact. Great job.
By the way, and I mead no disrespect, but has anyone ever mentioned you sound a little like strong bad's more educated older brother?
The SR71. (Lol) Greatest kill streak in Call of Duty History.
Still an awesome plane , even if it’s old
Incredible!
I wish I could fly one through the Grand Canyon at high speed and low altitude.
To those who are interested in such things, my 3 favorite aviation/science fiction art books are:
- Icon by Frank Frazetta
- Beyond the Horizon by John Harris
- Great Fighter Jets of the Galaxy by Tim Gibson
Read Janes book: Birth Of Two Legends - Reconnaissance Aircraft: From The U2 to SR-71 - Skunkworks Finest Hour. It's got some cool expanded engineering drawings, and artwork as well as interviews with engineers, program managers, pilots and REOs. You will enjoy it!
Sonic boom @ start 🔥🔥🔥
Yes, that's good)
Very cool video
I bet it was because Strategic Reconnaissance sounded better than Reconnaissance Strategic
Imagine how compact an SR-71 replacement could be in the 2020's considering how far technology and sensors have come in the way of overall physical size, not to mention the fact that the average iPhone is literally a Super Computer compared to 60's computing power.
"like remebering you left the iron and flying back" lol
The Valkyre was even more impressive.
"Pratt AND Whitney"
🐐🐐🐐