SR71 launch from the hanger at Beale AFB, CA. Circa 1990. You can order SR-71 DVD's Here: www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/Pay... Thank you for your support. Leland
Leland Haynes passed away on November 26, 2010. Many of us former Air Force members had a chance to work with MSgt Haynes and the SR-71 at Beale AFB, CA and operating locations around the globe. RIP HABU buddy.
I retired from the USAF after 20 years working as an aircraft crew chief. Hi and thanks to all you military aircraft maintainers. Thanks for serving and being out on the flight line day and night, rain or shine.
Amazing when the JP-7 and TEB (triethylborane) come into contact to make that green-hued explosion of ignition for engine lightoff (and afterburner ignition on takeoff roll and during other parts of the flight profile).
Showed this vid and some other SR stuff to a guy at my plant. He made an interesting observation. He said "You'd think that that thing would SCREAM "POWER!!" at you but it doesn't. It whispers of its power, and you believe the whisper more then you would any shout or scream." I'd say he nailed it.
Was this the SR71 - 17959? The SR 71 tail number 17959 is at Eglin AFB. At the Armanent Museum. It's totally awesome. Sits out front, for everyone to see. You can even walk up to it, and kick the tires for that matter. Plus look into the landing gear housing, motor housing a such. Awesome plane, especially up close. This technology, 40+ years ago. REally makes you wonder what we have now !!
This and the A-10 Thunderbolt are the most beautiful aircraft ever constructed, IMHO. Very 'purpose-oriented'. In a perfect universe I'd get to go (and be able to physically and mentally handle) a flight in one of these. Obviously never, ever going to happen.
one of the most awesome aircraft to ever i mean ever to come from the mind of kelly johnson of lockeheed. theres two things that i hate most.. seeing a good ship taken out of service like the carriers i served with during my navy days .. and good aircraft... the sr-71 was one of my very favorite planes next to the tomcat and the mustang and corsair. to all those who had the honor to work on or work with pilots who flew the blackbird my most sincerest thank you for a plane you took pride in
Between time points 3.35 and 3.42 tell me that that doesn't look like the deadliest snake in the world coming at you and you hear it whispering "You're mine!"
That's a nice thought but I regret to say I don't see thsat happening. Our "wonderous" politicians cut the funding for them and I have serious doubt of thsat being restored (Would have to pull some to most of the airframes out of the display parks and such, put them back together then test fly them for several flights to work the "kinks" out of them. All of this is VERY pricey and all on top of the regular operating costs. I love to see it but I doubt I'm going to.
That $64 million in 1965 US Dollars is $471 million in today's "Obama bucks". Each of these airplanes was a national treasure. Only about 150 pilots were ever qualified in the aircraft (both flight test and mission ready crews).
