Blackbird: A History of the Untouchable Spy Plane

Nonfiction, History, Military, Weapons, Strategy
Cover of the book Blackbird: A History of the Untouchable Spy Plane by James Hamilton-Paterson, Pegasus Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James Hamilton-Paterson ISBN: 9781681775746
Publisher: Pegasus Books Publication: September 5, 2017
Imprint: Pegasus Books Language: English
Author: James Hamilton-Paterson
ISBN: 9781681775746
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Publication: September 5, 2017
Imprint: Pegasus Books
Language: English

The fascinating story of the spy plane SR-71 Blackbird—the fastest manned aircraft in the history of aviation.

The SR-71 Blackbird, the famed “spy” jet, was deliberately designed to be the world's fastest and highest-flying aircraft—and its success has never been approached since.

It was conceived in the late 1950s by Lockheed Martin's highly secret 'Skunk Works' team under one of the most (possibly the most) brilliant aero designers of all time, Clarence “Kelly” Johnson. Once fully developed in 1964, the Blackbird represented the apogee of jet-powered flight. It could fly at well over three times the speed of sound above 85,000 feet and had an unrefueled range of 3,200 nautical miles. It flew with great success until 1999). Despite extensive use over Vietnam and later battlefields, not one was ever shot down (unlike the U2 in the Gary Powers incident).

The Blackbird's capabilities seem unlikely ever to be exceeded. It was retired because its function can be performed by satellites—and in today's steady trend toward unmanned military aircraft, it is improbable that another jet aircraft of this speed and caliber will ever again be conceived.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The fascinating story of the spy plane SR-71 Blackbird—the fastest manned aircraft in the history of aviation.

The SR-71 Blackbird, the famed “spy” jet, was deliberately designed to be the world's fastest and highest-flying aircraft—and its success has never been approached since.

It was conceived in the late 1950s by Lockheed Martin's highly secret 'Skunk Works' team under one of the most (possibly the most) brilliant aero designers of all time, Clarence “Kelly” Johnson. Once fully developed in 1964, the Blackbird represented the apogee of jet-powered flight. It could fly at well over three times the speed of sound above 85,000 feet and had an unrefueled range of 3,200 nautical miles. It flew with great success until 1999). Despite extensive use over Vietnam and later battlefields, not one was ever shot down (unlike the U2 in the Gary Powers incident).

The Blackbird's capabilities seem unlikely ever to be exceeded. It was retired because its function can be performed by satellites—and in today's steady trend toward unmanned military aircraft, it is improbable that another jet aircraft of this speed and caliber will ever again be conceived.

More books from Pegasus Books

Cover of the book A Strange Business: Art, Culture, and Commerce in Nineteenth Century London by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The English Opium-Eater: A Biography of Thomas De Quincey by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book Vanessa: The Life of Vanessa Redgrave by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book My Life with Wagner: Fairies, Rings, and Redemption: Exploring Opera's Most Enigmatic Composer by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The Secret State: A History of Intelligence and Espionage by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The Traitor's Mark: A Tudor Mystery by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The Edge of the Fall: A Novel by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The Spy of Venice: A William Shakespeare Mystery (William Shakespeare Mysteries) by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The Edge of the Empire: A Journey to Britannia: From the Heart of Rome to Hadrian's Wall by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The Persecution of the Knights Templar: Scandal, Torture, Trial by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book Draugar The Girl with the Golden Buddha by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The Moment of Truth: A Novel by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book The Brontës by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain by James Hamilton-Paterson
Cover of the book Tastes Like Chicken: A History of America's Favorite Bird by James Hamilton-Paterson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy