5 Things We Learned About The Lockheed YF-12A

Here are five interesting things about the Lockheed YF-12A Blackbird. 

5. There is currently only one YF-12A in existence anywhere in the world 

There are only three that were made and two that were destroyed. The last remaining jet can be found on display at the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, Ohio.

4. It originated in the top secret A-12 spy plane

This was designed by Lockheed as a request for a successor to the U-2 spy plane. The YF-12A has similarities to the overall configuration of the A-12 where it was based on. 

3. The plane first flew in Area 51 in August 1963

The existence of the aircraft was announced by then-US President Johnson a year later in 1964. 

2. It made record-breaking flights

On May 1, 1965, the jet made a speed record of 2,070 mph and an altitude record of 8,257 ft. 

1. The YF-12A Program was initially kept secret from A-12 engineers

In fact, there are hidden sections in the Lockheed Skunk Works building with a YF-12A being assembled there in secret. These were hidden from the other A-12s.