RAeS - Faster than a speeding bullet - Lockheed's SR-71

Despite being cancelled over thirty-five years ago, the Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird”, remains the world’s fastest, highest flying operational jet ever built. This packed presentation will outline the background leading to its design and the giant leap into the technical unknown that involved developing new technologies and materials to produce this unique aircraft. It will also cover its predecessor, the CIA’s A-12 Oxcart programme, that proved the concept of tri-sonic reconnaissance over the skies of North Vietnam. Key reconnaissance missions conducted by the SR-71 will also be covered, together with some of the accidents it endured during its development.