SR-71 Blackbird

[JMF]

Finally saw an SR-71 Blackbird today at the Duxford Imperial War Museum here in England, always been my favorite plane, the thing is so mean when you see it in the flesh

[moparstuart]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,48083.msg525276.html#msg525276


   they have an SR-71 in the lobby of the cosmosphere in hutchinson ks.  we went and saw it last year during charger fever 

[tan top]

awesome aircraft    don't they leak fuel when  parked 

[1969chargerrtse]

No nothing about planes, but I know and love the SR-71

[mikepmcs]

I love all aircraft as well. Thanks for sharing.

Here's some SR-71 info for ya. Well, what's posted anyway.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SR-71_Blackbird

http://www.habu.org/graham/sr71revealed.html

http://maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com/archives/7821-Major-Brian-Shul-I-loved-that-jet.html

Probably the most recognized short story on the web
http://mach3ti.com/pilotsstory.aspx

An entire photo gallery
http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/gallery/photo/SR-71/index.html

[Todd Wilson]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,48083.msg525276.html#msg525276


   they have an SR-71 in the lobby of the cosmosphere in hutchinson ks.  we went and saw it last year during charger fever 

I am about 3 blocks from that plane!

Todd

[Troy]

awesome aircraft    don't they leak fuel when  parked 

Yes. Once the plane is up to speed and heats up (and stretches) the leaks seal but on the ground the stuff just pours out. That's why they need to refuel almost immediately after takeoff. Very cool planes.

Troy

[Dans 68]

awesome aircraft    don't they leak fuel when  parked 

Yes. Once the plane is up to speed and heats up (and stretches) the leaks seal but on the ground the stuff just pours out. That's why they need to refuel almost immediately after takeoff. Very cool planes.

Troy

A few more fuel details...

Fuel

SR-71 development began using a coal slurry powerplant, but it was determined that the coal particles damaged engine components. Then began research into a liquid hydrogen powerplant, but the tanks required to store cryogenic hydrogen did not suit the Blackbird's form factor.

The focus then became somewhat more conventional, though still specialized in many ways. The result was JP-7 jet fuel, which had a relatively high flash point (140 °F, 60 °C) to cope with the heat. In fact, the fuel was used as a coolant and hydraulic fluid in the aircraft before being burned. The fuel also contained fluorocarbons to increase its lubricity, an oxidizing agent to enable it to burn in the engines, and even a cesium compound, A-50, which disguised the exhaust's radar signature.

JP-7 is very slippery and extremely difficult to light in any conventional way. The slipperiness was a disadvantage on the ground, because the aircraft leaked fuel when not flying, but at least JP-7 was not a fire hazard. When the engines of the aircraft were started, puffs of triethylborane (TEB), which ignites on contact with air, were injected into the engines to produce temperatures high enough to ignite the JP-7 initially. The TEB produced a characteristic puff of greenish flame that could often be seen as the engines were ignited. TEB was also used to ignite the afterburners. The aircraft had only 20 fluid ounce (600 ml) of TEB on board for each engine, enough for at least 16 injections (a counter advised the pilot of the number of TEB injections remaining), but this was more than enough for the requirements of any missions it was likely to carry out.

Dan

[Brock Samson]

 I don't think Kelly Johnson ever got his due,.. we shoud have a Natl. Holiday for the Man if ya' ask me... 

[mikepmcs]

Almost as impressive is the fact that he earned his Masters in AE in a year after Lockheed turned him down in 32'.  He was definitely one for the ages. 

"BE QUICK, BE QUIET, AND BE ON TIME"

[Mike DC]

         
SR-71's are awesome.  Not many technological devices still inspire awe from new generations 40 years after their introduction.  (Muscle-era Dodge Chargers are also on that short list.)




I saw one of those MoFos on display in Tuscon last year. 

Even sitting in a hanger full of other important planes, there's an unreal quality about it.  You stand there walking around it . . . it feels more like some giant plywood sci-fi movie prop.  Your mind tries to argue with you that this object in front of you can't really do all those things it's so famous for.  Vehicles that look like this are supposed to be purely whimsical artistic creations with fictional performance numbers. 

It's like standing in front of a Batmobile prop car on display, and trying to convince yourself that this thing is ACTUALLY bomb-proof and capable of cruising at 200mph like the sign in front of it claims.

[AKcharger]

Duxfold ROCKS! I could spend a week there looking at planes

Only bad thing is they used a Buick engine to start the plane...they should have used a MOPAR engine

[ChgrSteve67]

I used to guard two SRs when I was in Mildenhall England 87 & 88 (and NEACP) and occasionally got to speak with the pilots. Very interesting people. They commonly stored the pair in a C-141 hanger.
They were decommissioned shortly after that. What a shame.

It rained underneath them when they fueled them before talk off.  
Back in the day people smoked around them during and after they were refueled.
Awesome aircraft.

Loved sitting at the end of the runway and watch them take off at night.

Shortly before it was retired it made a run from LA to NY in 45 minutes.
To this day I don't think anyone knows its true top speed, even the pilots that flew it.

[tan top]

I love all aircraft as well. Thanks for sharing.

Here's some SR-71 info for ya. Well, what's posted anyway.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SR-71_Blackbird

http://www.habu.org/graham/sr71revealed.html

http://maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com/archives/7821-Major-Brian-Shul-I-loved-that-jet.html

Probably the most recognized short story on the web
http://mach3ti.com/pilotsstory.aspx

An entire photo gallery
http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/gallery/photo/SR-71/index.html 

good links intresting read 

awesome aircraft    don't they leak fuel when  parked 

Yes. Once the plane is up to speed and heats up (and stretches) the leaks seal but on the ground the stuff just pours out. That's why they need to refuel almost immediately after takeoff. Very cool planes.

Troy

A few more fuel details...

Fuel

SR-71 development began using a coal slurry powerplant, but it was determined that the coal particles damaged engine components. Then began research into a liquid hydrogen powerplant, but the tanks required to store cryogenic hydrogen did not suit the Blackbird's form factor.

The focus then became somewhat more conventional, though still specialized in many ways. The result was JP-7 jet fuel, which had a relatively high flash point (140 °F, 60 °C) to cope with the heat. In fact, the fuel was used as a coolant and hydraulic fluid in the aircraft before being burned. The fuel also contained fluorocarbons to increase its lubricity, an oxidizing agent to enable it to burn in the engines, and even a cesium compound, A-50, which disguised the exhaust's radar signature.

JP-7 is very slippery and extremely difficult to light in any conventional way. The slipperiness was a disadvantage on the ground, because the aircraft leaked fuel when not flying, but at least JP-7 was not a fire hazard. When the engines of the aircraft were started, puffs of triethylborane (TEB), which ignites on contact with air, were injected into the engines to produce temperatures high enough to ignite the JP-7 initially. The TEB produced a characteristic puff of greenish flame that could often be seen as the engines were ignited. TEB was also used to ignite the afterburners. The aircraft had only 20 fluid ounce (600 ml) of TEB on board for each engine, enough for at least 16 injections (a counter advised the pilot of the number of TEB injections remaining), but this was more than enough for the requirements of any missions it was likely to carry out.

Dan

  thanks for the infomation guys ..good read & intresting facts

[Ghoste]

Leak when parked huh; kind of like old Harleys and big block Mopars then? 

[mikepmcs]

Here are some more classic military photos for ya'll.  Enjoy.

http://www.tom-phillips.info/images/cool.pics.military.htm

http://www.tom-phillips.info/images/cool.pics.military.2.htm

http://www.tom-phillips.info/images/cool.pics.military.3.htm

[Fitz73Chrgr]

I saw the one in Huntsville, AL a few years back.  Very cool.

[tan top]

  awesome pictures    some great camera work  
 thanks for posting the links Mike  

[mauve66]

first model i ever did was a blackbird

[Silver R/T]

Interesting planes, pretty cool

[bull]

We've got one here in Oregon, under the wing of the Spruce Goose (or was the last time I saw it): http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,3586.0.html

[TheGhost]

Last time I was there, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum in Omaha has one suspended from the ceiling right at the entrance.

Love those planes.  Satellites were what did her in.

[mikepmcs]

Last time I was there, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum in Omaha

Hey, I used to live there.  My Father was stationed at NEACP and flew with the Blue Eagle team(Nightwatch E-4B).  Graduated from Bellevue West High School in 1984.

[FJ6N96]

Can't attach picture since there's too many of them.


SORRY
FJ6N96

[TiMopar]

Back in 75 (I think; an F-15 Eagle prototype was there if that dates it...) I was at the Farnborough Air Show in England, when an SR-71 was due to visit from the USA. An announcement was made on the tannoy that it's arrival was imminent. Nothing happened for a couple of minutes, and then another announcement was made that it had missed England and and was turning round over Norway to come back. It arrived about five minutes later!

[moparstuart]

Last time I was there, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum in Omaha has one suspended from the ceiling right at the entrance.

Love those planes.  Satellites were what did her in.

My 12 year old taylor went up there two weeks ago for a Boy scout over night and the slept on the floor under the plane .     

[Charger_Fan]

   they have an SR-71 in the lobby of the cosmosphere in hutchinson ks.  we went and saw it last year during charger fever 

Man, they have Chuck Yeager's "Glamorous Glennis" X-1 there!! Damn, I'd love to see that plane.

[Brock Samson]

 the Smithonian Air and Space Museum was my favorite part of a trip to the Nations' capitol. I belive I could spend three days there though I only got one.  I'd love to go back just for that, cause i sure don't care for much else there. 

[Cooperman]

I used to guard two SRs when I was in Mildenhall England 87 & 88 (and NEACP) and occasionally got to speak with the pilots.

Well look at that! I live in Beck Row (you'll know where that is Steve!) and I've been a guest on Mildenhall (and Lakenheath) MANY times. I have seen the (Duxford) SR-71 up close and it's a beautiful design, especially when you consider it is almost 50 years old... 

[moparstuart]

   they have an SR-71 in the lobby of the cosmosphere in hutchinson ks.  we went and saw it last year during charger fever 

Man, they have Chuck Yeager's "Glamorous Glennis" X-1 there!! Damn, I'd love to see that plane.

it's a very cool place , I really love seeing all the space capsules they have . 

[Rolling_Thunder]

its all about the D-21 Drone man!



Out in Lancaster CA there is "blackbird park" that has one of these oddball things with two SR-71s     

[KS71owner]

   they have an SR-71 in the lobby of the cosmosphere in hutchinson ks.  we went and saw it last year during charger fever 

Man, they have Chuck Yeager's "Glamorous Glennis" X-1 there!! Damn, I'd love to see that plane.

it's a very cool place , I really love seeing all the space capsules they have . 

the Cosmosphere does indeed rock. I should go back, haven't been there in a couple years.

[Todd Wilson]

I'd show you all my 71 Blackbird photos but they would get deleted!   


Todd

[TheGhost]

There's always PMs, Todd.

[mikepmcs]

and email....

[moparstuart]

I'd show you all my 71 Blackbird photos but they would get deleted!   


Todd

he sent me some once ,   

[mikepmcs]

If the blackbirds a rockin' don't come a knockin' 

I'm sure I'm way off, but it was funny to me.

[rp23g7]

Neat Pictures, love the Vulcan and the Hind.

My dad, a 35 yr Boeing retiree, works at the Museum of Flight here in Seattle.  They have a A-12 with the drone, and a Concord.  I cant believe how narrow that thing is inside.

My dad helped restore the B-17 they had and the StratoCruiser.

He took me down there once, we crawled around inside the B-17.  All i got to say is, those kids who flew those missions had some balls.

I cant imagine flying 25 missions in one of those.

[Tilar]

Last time I was there, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum in Omaha

Hey, I used to live there.  My Father was stationed at NEACP and flew with the Blue Eagle team(Nightwatch E-4B).  Graduated from Bellevue West High School in 1984.

I wonder if that place is open on Saturday. I have a great niece that is graduating in Bellevue this weekend and my mother wants to go so I guess I'm going to Omaha Friday. If that place is open Saturday, I'm going to try to check that out.

[mikepmcs]

1-402-944-3100
1-402-827-3100

Strategic Air and Space Museum
28210 West Park Highway
Ashland, Nebraska 68003

The Strategic Air & Space Museum showcases over 30 military aircraft, missiles and spacecraft in its impressive 300,000 square foot facility. Exhibits include a B-36 Peacemaker, a B-52B Heavy Bomber, the Apollo 9 Command Space Module and a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest plane in the world. Offering tours, audio/visual programs and child-centered interactive exhibits, the museum also features an intriguing aircraft restoration gallery, a gift shop and snack bar. It is located between Lincoln and Omaha near Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
Hours of Operation:

Open daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Admission Details:

Adults $7; Seniors & Military $6; Youth (5-12) $3; Children under 5 are free.

http://www.sasmuseum.com
http://www.sasmuseum.com/visit/events-and-activities/                 
Guided tours start at 1100 on Saturday

[Tilar]

Man you can't beat that kind of service with a stick. Thanks 

[mikepmcs]

Always a pleasure!   

[ACUDANUT]

 I got to see A SR-71 Take off one time in 1988 at Kadena AFB Okinawa.  That thing takes off like a Rocket (staight up) It was a awesome sight. 

[GreenMachine]

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,48083.msg525276.html#msg525276


   they have an SR-71 in the lobby of the cosmosphere in hutchinson ks.  we went and saw it last year during charger fever 

Here's my pics of that plane, I'd give my left handed lug nuts for a ride in one of those!!!

[GreenMachine]

And the Apollo 13!!!!!!!!

[c00nhunterjoe]

that old girl needs a wash and wax

[Johnny SixPack]

It was most definitely ahead of its time.

The styling still is today.

Here's one of the coolest SR-71 pix I've seen:

(click pic for larger version)

[LeadfootBob]

These things remind me of a Top Fuel dragster or funny car; useless for everything except ONE specific task in which they obliterate all competition. Very compelling stuff... Hard to grasp the concept of moving at 3000 feet per second for hours on end  

[Ghoste]

Hard to grasp the concept of moving at 3000 feet per second for hours on end  

Hehe.  That reminds me of one of my favorite SR-71 anecdotes; there is a story on record of one of the Blackbird pilots coming into contact with a civilian air traffic control for reasons I forget now.  Anyway, after his initial contact with the tower he was told to "hold".  After waiting a short time he contacted again and again was advised to "hold".  After the third attempt and third "please hold" the Blackbird pilot replied, "Sir I'm afraid you don't understand the vagaries of mach 3 flight, I CAN'T hold.   

[ACUDANUT]

 Why is there a hole in the nose at the one in Hutch Ks. That ain't right, it looks like someone jacked it up.

[mauve66]

they took the  antennae out of it so no one would get impaled on it

[Ghoste]

Is it an antenna or a pitot tube?

[jar1292]

my father told me of a time when he used to be a mechanic at the local AF base and he was on night shift one night when one had to make emergency landing for some reason. this was when they were still top secret and nobody there had even heard anything about it. well it got rushed to the hanger and him and his other crew mates decided to take a tour of it. he said it was fascinating until they were surrounded by the police guns drawn and thrown to the ground. apparently they were not supposed to be there! he honestly thought he was not gunna come home after that night. and a very strong talking to after the initial encounter. there was more to the story but i cant remember much more of it nowadays.

[Landonsrt]

my father told me of a time when he used to be a mechanic at the local AF base and he was on night shift one night when one had to make emergency landing for some reason. this was when they were still top secret and nobody there had even heard anything about it. well it got rushed to the hanger and him and his other crew mates decided to take a tour of it. he said it was fascinating until they were surrounded by the police guns drawn and thrown to the ground. apparently they were not supposed to be there! he honestly thought he was not gunna come home after that night. and a very strong talking to after the initial encounter. there was more to the story but i cant remember much more of it nowadays.

Thats pretty cool. Its fascinating to read that it could just outrun projectiles launched at it. 4000 attempts to shoot them down and not one succeeded.

[FLG]

Got a model of one hanging up in the garage...will try to get a pic. Beautiful piece of machinery.

[RusTy/SE]

One resides at Battleship Park in Mobile, Alabama. Those years i have made it to the Mopars at the Battleship show i stroll over. Awe inspiring 

[b5blue]

During my short career in ATC in the USAF my roommate just back from overseas had the honor of handling them a few times. The SR71 was so fast the handling went like this: Kusoun Center Blackjack71 requesting permission to enter your airspace,we are well above all traffic. Blackjack71 you are cleared to enter my airspace. (at that point there is one new bip on his radar) Thank you center Blackjack71 we are clear of your airspace. Have a good day.(the next sweep of the radar is too slow, they were gone)