Cover Image

From archangel to senior crown : design and development of the Blackbird /

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Merlin, Peter W., 1964-
Other Authors: Allen, Ned
Format: Book
Language:English
Published: Reston, VA : American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2008.
Subjects:
SR-71 Blackbird (Jet reconnaissance plane) > History.
A-12 (Jet reconnaissance plane) > History.
Aerodynamics, Transonic > Research > United States > History > 20th century.
SR-71 (Avion de reconnaissance) > Histoire.
A-12 Blackbird (Avion de reconnaissance) > Histoire.
Aérodynamique transsonique > Recherche > États-Unis > Histoire > 20e siècle.
A-12 (Jet reconnaissance plane)
SR-71 Blackbird (Jet reconnaissance plane)
United States.
1900-1999
History.
Table of Contents:
  • Chapter 1. Blackbird: A Technological Case Study
  • Chapter 2. Form Follows Function: Design Evolution of the Blackbird
  • Convair Entries
  • Kelly's Archangel
  • A-12 Configuration
  • Aircraft Systems
  • OXCART-Progenitor of the Blackbird Family Tree
  • KEDLOCK-Advanced Interceptor
  • TAGBOARD-Mach 3 Drone
  • SENIOR CROWN-Strategic Reconnaissance
  • Chapter 3. Necessity Is the Mother of Invention: Construction and Materials
  • Building the Blackbirds
  • Materials and Structure
  • Exotic Materials
  • Structural Features
  • Engine Materials
  • Fuels, Fluids, and Sealants
  • Landing Gear
  • Chapter 4. Above and Beyond: Blackbird Performance Characteristics
  • Aerodynamics
  • Handling Qualities
  • Flight Control System
  • Normal Operating Characteristics
  • Propulsion System
  • Speed and Altitude
  • Cruise and Climb Performance
  • Range and Endurance
  • Payload Capacity and Operational Considerations
  • Chapter 5. Unique Research Tool: NASA's Mach 3 Flying Laboratory
  • Joint NASA/U.S. Air Force YF-12 Flight Research
  • Heating and Loads Research
  • Propulsion Research
  • Landing Studies
  • Flying Laboratory
  • Back in Black
  • Phoenix Rising
  • Swan Song
  • Chapter 6. Lessons Learned
  • Kelly's Way
  • The Skunk Works Approach
  • Enormous Technological Achievement
  • Results of the NASA Blackbird Research Programs
  • Appendix A. Blackbird Production Summary
  • Appendix B. Blackbird Timeline.