Interesting site linked to from SimHQ on the Blackbird

[Konovalov]

Visited this site today on the SR-71 Blackbird (http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/srloss~1.htm)and must say it has some very interesting info and stories surrounding the history of one of the most awesome and impressive aircraft ever built, the SR-71 Blackbird. I would pay anything to see one of these actually flying at an airshow. Sadly it is just a dream but who knows. :)

[The Avon Lady]

OT but related sad news:

Test Pilot Scott Crossfield Dies in Crash (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060421/ap_on_re_us/obit_crossfield;_ylt=AkGh5mWSFjEggL_rCugw6nes0NUE; _ylu=X3oDMTA3MjBwMWtkBHNlYwM3MTg-).

RIP

[MadMike]

I never saw one fly during my time in service, however we have one parked a few miles away at a local museum. Fascinating piece of military hardware, that's for sure (gotta love titanium).
The question is, what are we flying as a replacement? :o

Yours, Mike

[Konovalov]

The question is, what are we flying as a replacement? :o

Yours, Mike

Good question. Well in my view, there is nothing that fulfills the role of the SR-71, or at least nothing we know of. ;) An SR-71 had the ability to get anywhere in the world in an instant. You can't do that with a satellite or the Global Hawk. The SR-71 filled a very important niche role in the US spy/recon role. You asked a very important question Mike.

[DeepSix]

... The question is, what are we flying as a replacement? :o

Yours, Mike

I'll be there's a band named after it. :D

[Linton]

How about a geo-stationary satellite?At least you do not have to ifr and it does not have sonic bangs!

[kgsuarez]

There are rumors of some new spy plane at Area 51. They call it the Arora or something.

[Linton]

That has been around for ages-I think Revell even made a model of it!

[Sea Demon]

I got to see an SR-71 do 3 fly-bys during it's fini-flight into Castle AFB. This was back when I was still in high school (1989), and Castle was still an active AFB. That particular Blackbird now sits as a display at the Castle Air Museum. :cool:

http://www.elite.net/castle-air/index.htm

Here's the aircraft:

http://www.elite.net/castle-air/sr71.htm

[Wim Libaers]

That has been around for ages-I think Revell even made a model of it!

Also in several games:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_aircraft

Geostationary satellites aren't very good for detailed images, low orbits are better but then you don't have permanent coverage (unless you pay for lots of satellites). I think they're mostly working on stealth drones now, but they can't do long-range missions.

[The Avon Lady]

When in New York........................ (http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/intrepidmuseum/aircraft/item.php?id=2)

My family loved it. :yep: Well, not my oldest daughter. :nope:

[TLAM Strike]

The question is, what are we flying as a replacement? :o
This...
http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/1275/aeon6yz.jpg
Found crashed in the desert in 1960.
:-j