Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
SR-71
- Thread starter ddnidd1
- Start date
Such an incredible piece of engineering. Ever since I saw one when I was a kid I was fascinated with them - taken in by the futuristic appearance & captivated by the speed, altitude, and design aspects employed to counteract the effects of both.
I understand satellites are obviously vastly more effective & don’t risk life, but I also don’t see any spy satellite fascinating a kid (or adult) the way the Blackbird did.
I understand satellites are obviously vastly more effective & don’t risk life, but I also don’t see any spy satellite fascinating a kid (or adult) the way the Blackbird did.
Skunk Works has a pretty good section on it as well. Though the X-15 was the bird that caught my imagination as a kid...
Here I thought there was going to be talk about the new SR-72.
But yeah, SR-71 was long a favorite of mine... followed closely by the A-10.
But yeah, SR-71 was long a favorite of mine... followed closely by the A-10.
I've seen articles recently (once again) claiming the successor, the "Aurora" and/or SR-72, actually exists. 
It is hard to believe that the SR71 was designed in the 60's. Heck...we did not even have microwave ovens back then. I agree about the A-10.
If I had an opportunity to fly a military jet, the A-10 would be my first choice.
Me too----except my drive is more like 2 hours. Still worth it once a year or so.
When i was in Okinawa one of my favorite things was to go park outside the fence at the end of the Kadena runway and watch the Habu’s take off.
I think Kelly Johnson was a gift from space aliens.
I think Kelly Johnson was a gift from space aliens.
Ah, yes, the SR-71.
I think they retired them in1989 citing the superior data gathering capabilities of satellites, and no risk to flight crews.
But, someone argued that enemies know when a certain satellite will be overhead, and adjust their actions accordingly.
Send a manned aircraft, and they'll have little time to cover up what they're doing.
Mike
I think they retired them in1989 citing the superior data gathering capabilities of satellites, and no risk to flight crews.
But, someone argued that enemies know when a certain satellite will be overhead, and adjust their actions accordingly.
Send a manned aircraft, and they'll have little time to cover up what they're doing.
Mike
Notice there has never been any mention of retiring the U2? In todays world ultra long range, speed and altitude are not requirements for aerial recon. Not to mention our satellites are much more manuverable than in the past. Retasking that used to take several revolutions can now be done in less than one.
It (whatever "it" may be) does not need to be manned, these days. At least not directly. So, no risk to flight crew. And a lot of savings on pesky details to keep flight crew safe, let them see, etc.
When I was a kid, my dad worked on the electronics of the SR-71 (Habu). I recall seeing it up close from the outside, under the plane. My dad told me one of the pilots took me inside the cockpit, but that I do not recall.
When I was in the Air Force I loved the airshows when the SR-71 was part of the show. That's been my favorite plane for well over 40 years. So damn cool!!!!!
BTW, Okinawa is a most wonderful place.
All the way back in 1960: The pilot of the U2 spy plane who was shot down and captured by the Soviets, Gary Powers, ended up crashing and dying piloting a News Weather helicopter IIRC. ??
But yes, the SR-71 is just too cool and could thumb it's nose at everyone.
But yes, the SR-71 is just too cool and could thumb it's nose at everyone.
They have one on display with one of it's engine's sitting on the floor right next to it at the Boeing Museum of Flight in Seattle. These are bigger than they appear (on TV), and the engine looked to be around 20' long. I got to see it for my Birthday a few years back, and anyone visiting Seattle should make this a must see. Tickets were $16, and it's an all day venture ... bring your camera!
Alkali Ike
Gold Supporting Member
- Jan 1, 2011
- 2,853
- 15,654
- Disclosures
- I never actually learned to play very well
They weren’t in every home kitchen yet, but they became available for home use around 1967.
Microwave Oven
The Raytheon Corporation produced the first commercial microwave oven in 1954; it was called the 1161 Radarange. It was large, expensive, and had a power of 1600 watts. The first domestic microwave oven was produced in 1967 by Amana (a division of Raytheon).
In 1967, Amana, a division of Raytheon, introduced its domestic Radarange microwave oven, marking the beginning of the use of microwave ovens in home kitchens.
