Space/Science — HabitableZone

Space/Science » in reply to SR-71/drone accident late 60's

That particular version was called the M-21, not the SR-71.

There were several variants of the Blackbird. The version that carried the D-21 drone was a converted A-12 redesignated as the M-21.

You can read about Blackbird losses here.

Blackbird Versions:
A-12 single seat reconnaissance bird for the CIA, code name Oxcart.




YF-12A two seat interceptor

M-21 two seat drone carrier for the D-21 drone.

SR-71 two seat reconnaissance bird

There were a small number of Blackbirds that featured a raised rear cockpit for pilot training.

Here's a great website for Blackbirds, complete with the declassified pilot's manual. One of my coworkers was an SR-71 RSO for 5 years. He has some good stories but has to be careful what he discusses because a lot of it is still classified.

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