This SR-71 Lives Again . . .
#1
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,772
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From: 744 CA
Dunno...but when it was first developed out at the Palmdale skunkworks the first few prototypes were called the A-12.... there have been whole books written on the "black bird"....im sure some one knows.
#5
Prime Minister/Moderator

Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Engines Turn or People Swim
The original concept for the A-12 was for a high-supersonic platform which could be adapted to a variety of missions. There were planned or prototyped variants for interceptor and nuclear strike, and the names changed frequently while the program was in black development.
The A-12 was the CIA version of the SR-71, and was produced first. The SR-71 was opeerated by the USAF (and NASA which I think still has one or two).
The A-12 was the CIA version of the SR-71, and was produced first. The SR-71 was opeerated by the USAF (and NASA which I think still has one or two).
#8
#9
The A-12 and SR-71 are NOT the same airplane. They were similar, but they are not the same.
First of all, there is no dude yapping from the backseat in an A-12 (single seat). A most desirable quality in any fast jet.
Second, they were built for different customers (both by Lockheed)...A-12 was CIA. SR-71 was USAF.
First of all, there is no dude yapping from the backseat in an A-12 (single seat). A most desirable quality in any fast jet.
Second, they were built for different customers (both by Lockheed)...A-12 was CIA. SR-71 was USAF.
#10
China Visa Applicant
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 16
From: Midfield downwind
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