The SR-71 Blackbird

The CIA A-12 Blackbird Program

 

The A-12 started out as an USAF interceptor to replace the cancelled F-108A Rapier. In October 1962, CIA authorized the Skunk Works to study the feasibility of modifying the A-12 to carry and deploy a reconnaissance drone for unmanned overflight of denied areas. The project was codenamed TAGBOARD.

10 Feb 2018

SR-71A Blackbird #17959 / #2010

SR-71A Blackbird #17959 / #2010

Author: SR Admin  /  Categories: SR-71A, Florida  /  Rate this article:
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SR-71A S/N 61-7959, also known as "Big Tall", came off the assembly line like any other SR-71 when it was rolled out on 16 Aug 1965. But it has a unique trial modification which added 9 feet (2.7m) beyond the tail to carry a new optical bar camera as well as more electronic countermeasures. On 3 December 1975, the "Big Tall" flew for the first time. The tests demonstrated that there was little performance loss, but that the new sensor equipment proved of little advantage. The program was dropped. This aircraft was last flown on 29 October 1976 and is the only "Big Tall" in existence.

 

 

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