Photography > Aerial Reconnaissance and Imagery Analysis > Airplanes

Blackbird - SR-71
The SR-71 was designed and built at Lockheed's famed Skunk Works, under the direction of Kelly Johnson. Johnson and his team of engineers ostensibly were the source of the concept, design, and system and technology integration found in this unique aircraft. The SR-71 evolved from a highly classified development program for a high performance interceptor, one with supersonic speeds and range of 1000 miles. Keep in mind , this is 1956-58, when Cold War tension with the Soviet Union were prompting development of supersonic bombers with a nuclear delivery capability and ICBMs. Soviet aircraft developments prompted initiation of the development of the interceptor (YF-12A). It should also be remembered a Mach 3 capable aircraft was an extraordinary goal in 1958.

The SR-71 airframe is built almost entirely of titanium and titanium alloys, allowing it to withstand the high temperatures generated by sustained Mach 3 flight. Aerodynamic control surfaces consisted of all-moving vertical tail surfaces above each engine nacelle, ailerons on the outer wings and elevators on the trailing edges between the engine exhaust nozzles. Two Pratt & Whitney J-58 axial-flow turbojets with afterburners, each producing some 32,500 lbs. (145 kN) of thrust, power the aircraft. The design and operation of these engines, in particular the engine inlet features and thrust production at speed, is nothing short of miraculous given the technology at the time the aircraft was developed.

The aircraft measures 107.4 feet (32.73 meters) long, has a wing span of 55.6 feet (16.94 meters, and stands 18.5 feet (5.63 meters) high (ground to the top of the rudders when parked). Gross takeoff weight is approximately about 140,000 pounds (52253 kilograms), including a fuel weight of 80,000 pounds (29859 kilograms)

The SR-71 holds numerous speed and altitude records, yet has always seemed to have just a little more left whenever needed. For the purposes of this article, the aircraft can fly at speeds of at least Mach 3.5 (2,275 mph), has a range of approximately 2000 miles, and can attain altitudes in excess of 85,000 feet ASL. At the speeds normally associate with this aircraft, it is flying at the muzzle velocity of a 110 grain 30-06 bullet.

The Blackbird carries an array of sensors, imaging and signals intelligence. Conventional camera system resolution is probably adequate to support theater-level requirements. Reports have suggested the camera suite can provide coverage of up to 80,000 square miles in an hour. If a SAR package is used the coverage capability is undoubtedly enhanced and may be linked for near real time exploitation. Although speculation on my part, integration of electro-optic cameras seems probable given the technology is now readily available, and more based on available uplink and downlink capabilities. This platform is better suited to satisfaction of large area coverage requirements, ground truth/mapping, and fixed facility analysis as opposed to target acquisition.

For further discussion of the development of this aircraft and associated technology, see the articles on www.aowatch.com coming in February 2003.