[Stealhead]

The SR-71 was the only operational aircraft to use an engine that was a combination turbofan and ramjet it used some very unique fuel as well.The leakiness of the fuel though was a bit of an exaggeration in reality the gaps where very small and only a very small amount leaked(it was not a leaking pig as some might believe) out whilst on the tarmac and at low speeds but it was still a very serious fire hazard and as a result they only carried a small load for take off and then they got topped of by a KC-135 after take off.I knew an old timer NCO in the Air Force that had been stationed at Misawa AB Japan (a regular forward operating base for blackbirds in the old days to visit Kamchatka I am sure they also deployed to Kadena a lot more than likely for snooping on China) that one did did have a fire catch as it was taking off but it burned itself out soon after they landed again and about a hour later the Blackbird took off again.No doubt in my mind the SR-71 saw a lot of use over China and Southeast Asia more than anywhere else.A few times they flew it over North Vietnam and they actually tried to send MiG-21s to intercept.... effort in futility.I also knew a guy that been at Beale AFB home of the TR-1(U-2) and SR-71 he had some awards from the wing that had an engraved Blackbird and Dragon Lady of course he had little say about what he did.

@u crank the SR-71/A-12 was never designed with agility in mind so one can not expect it to have a good turn radius no need to turn when you are going so fast and flying so high up that nothing can get you in the first place.The A-12 interceptor was designed when dog fighting was felt to be a thing of the past and designs focused other aspects and had little or no interest in agility.

@MH congress and the branches still argued over what programs where worth spending money: "The A-12 program was officially canceled on 28 December 1966[13] ***8212; even before Black Shield began in 1967 ***8212; due to budget concerns[14] and because of the forthcoming SR-71, which arrived in Kadena in March 1968."

Another aircraft that got scrapped due to money concerns the B-70 it probably was not the best bomber concept at any rate though it was a very impressive design in it own right.