Find Out The “Black Magic” Behind The Lockheed SR-71 — It’s Unbelievable

Find Out The “Black Magic” Behind The Lockheed SR-71 — It’s Unbelievable | World War Wings Videos

Source: YouTube Channel 'TechLaboratories'

One Stealthy Bird!

The secret powerhouse is really not much of a secret. Known for being the “fastest air-breathing manned aircraft since 1976”, the Lockheed SR-71’s legendary status is owed mostly to its speed. It served as a very valuable spy plane and from its first flight to the time it was retired, it has never been hit by a missile — not even once!

During aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile.

Piloting this war bird may be very challenging and demanding. Full focus and total concentration are both necessary. Even so, pilots described flying the aircraft as an almost “religious experience”. Air Force Colonel Jim Wadkins has this to say: “Nothing had prepared me to fly that fast… My God, even now, I get goose bumps remembering.”

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