Blackbird Air Park

Blackbird Air Park. Air Force Plant 42. [Panel #1] , Blackbird Wind Tunnel Model , (One-Twelfth Scale). , Aircraft models such as this are used in high-speed wind tunnels to test aerodynamic shapes, stresses, and temperatures. This particular model was used for testing all three versions of the Blackbird--the A-12, YF-12, and SR-71--through the use of different nose sections. It is displayed with an SR-71 nose section installed. The nose section on the left is a YF-12 and the one on the right is an A-12., [Panel #2] , Pratt and Whitney J58 (JT11D-20). , Originally developed by Pratt and Whitney in 1956 to fill a U.S. Navy requirement for an aircraft capable of dash speeds up to Mach 3. After the Navy abandoned the project, Lockheed and Pratt and Whitney worked together to develop the engine for the A-12 (Blackbird prototype). The J58 was designed to operate continuously at the high compressor inlet temperature (CIT) associated with high Mach number flight at extreme altitude. At speeds above 1600 mph, the J58 essentially becomes a ramjet with a majority of the thrust developing from airflow through a combination of variable geometry supersonic inlets, bypass doors, and ejector flaps. Preparation for display by the 6510 CRS Propulsion Branch., This engine is on loan from the USAF Museum Program., [Panel #3] , J58 Engine Starter Cart (Early Buick Type). , This cart was developed originally for the A-12 Blackbird and was used later on the SR-71 until replaced by the Chevy-powered version (on display under the SR-71). it used two Buick "Wildcat" V8 racing car engines, linked together through a common gearbox, to deliver power to the starter drive shaft of the aircraft engine. More than 600 hp from the two engines was required to "spool up" the J58 to about 3,400 rpm for starting., [Panel #4] , J58 Engine Starter Cart AG-300/AG-330. , This cart was used to start the J58 engines on the SR-71 Blackbird. Two Chevy 454 cu in engines with automatic transmissions were hooked together to power a hydraulic pump which operated the system. A probe extended upward into a starting pad on the J58, providing torque for turning the engine which was then chemically started with tetraethyl borane (TEB)., This unit, affectionately known as "Black Beauty," was dressed up and used by the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing to provide SR-71 engine starts at airshows worldwide., POWER: Two 454 Chevy V8s with Turb-Hydramatic 400 transmissions , WEIGHT: 51800 lbs , TORQUE: 700 ft lbs maximum , MAX RPM: Engine - 5200 Probe - 6916 Jet Rotor Shaft - 339, [Panel #5] , Lockheed A-12. , The A-12 was the proof-of-concept vehicle for the SR-71/YF-12 family of "Blackbirds." It was the 12th in a series of designs for a U-2 replacement from Kelly Johnson's "Skunk Works" at Lockheed, hence the designation "A-12." Although its operational service is shrouded in secrecy, research indicates the A-12 was used in covert operations by the CIA during the 1960s., Of the fifteen A-12's produced, this is the prototype aircraft, #60-6924--the first one built and flown. It completed its maiden flight on 26 April 1962 with Lockheed test pilot Louis Schalk at the controls (it did, however, momentarily lift off during a high-speed taxi check two days earlier). Restoration courtesy of Lockheed Advanced Development Company., This aircraft is on loan from the USAF Museum Program., [Panel #6] , Lockheed D-21 Drone. , The D-21 was an unmanned, ramjet-powered craft designed to be air--launched from atop an A-12 (redesigned M-21) mother ship. It was conceived as a reconnaissance platform that would fly over high-threat targets without endangering a pilot. After acquiring photos of its target, the D-21 would return to a safe area and eject a hatch containing the reconnaissance equipment. As the hatch was lowered by parachute, it would be recovered in mid-air by a JC-130B Hercules. The project was terminated after a fatal accident on the fourth test launch. Four operational missions were later flown from B-52 launch aircraft. This D-21 is on loan from NASA., [Panel #7] , Lockheed SR-71A. , The SR-71A reached a speed of Mach 1.5 during the maiden flight from Plant 42 on Dec 22, 1964. After extensive flight testing at nearby Edwards AFB, the Blackbird entered operational service with the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in Jan 1966 at Beale AFB, California. Primary overseas operating locations were Kadena AB, Japan and RAF Mildenhall, England. On Mar 6 1990, and SR-71 set a transcontinental coast-to-coast record, flying 2,404 statute miles in 68 min 17 sec., This aircraft #61-7973, was delivered to SAC in 1968. it served its entire career in operational reconnaissance with the 9th SRW. It's last flight was July 21, 1987 from Mildenhall to Plant 42. it has 1729.9 total flying hours. Restoration courtesy of Lockheed Advanced Development Company., This aircraft is on loan from the USAF Museum Program.