SR-71 Blackbird in action

SR-71 Blackbird in action - David Doyle

Lockheed produced the A-12 to meet the CIAs need for a high-altitude high-speed surveillance aircraft with a low radar cross-section. In May 1967 the first Blackbird flew over Vietnam. When the CIA retired the A-12 from Vietnam in June 1968 its place was taken by the Air Force version of the plane with the now more familiar name of Strategic Reconnaissance SR-71. During the Vietnam War SR-71 overflights averaged one per day during which time the enemy unsuccessfully fired 800 surface-to-air missiles against it. In addition to the A-12 and SR-71 Lockheed also turned out the M-21 to launch D-21 drones. Another version the YF-12 was tested as a high-altitude interceptor but never made it to series production. Uncover the once top-secret history of the famous Blackbird through this all-new 80-page book packed with detailed line drawings and over 200 photographs.