The final stage of SR-71 Blackbird it was far from reconnaissance missions and close to scientific research. Although the US Air Force operated the supersonic aircraft until 1998, the 1990s found it far from its glory days. The program was originally canceled in late 1989, allowing its use to be largely reserved for NASA in later years. And not even the approval of his return to military activity in 1994 changed his final destiny.
NASA was in charge of flying the last two operational SR-71 Blackbirds, who retired definitively in 1999. On October 9 of that year, more effectively. That day, the world saw the majestic aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin through its Skunk Works division for the last time in the air.
To give it a farewell like only the SR-71 Blackbird deserved, the gates of Edwards Air Force Base, California, were opened so that the public could see up close one of the most spectacular developments in the history of the aviation. The same plane that was conceived under absolute secrecy, and that for a long time crossed the skies above Mach 3 with absolute impunity, was able to say goodbye in a show in full view of the whole world.
During its final demonstration, the supersonic aircraft flew to almost 24,000 meters, at a speed of Mach 3.2. So that the public could easily follow its path, the SR-71 Blackbird released a jet fuel; and in a few minutes its peculiar was heard boom double sonic. A stampede that was generated twice because one came from the front and the other from the tail of the aircraft.
Before the final landing, the pilots made multiple passes to delight the audience with the ferocity of the Pratt & Whitney J58 engines. Fortunately there is video of the moment and you can see it below.
What uses did NASA give the SR-71 Blackbird
Throughout history, NASA has used multiple supersonic aircraft for different experiments. Among them, the Lockheed Martin YF-12A interceptor prototype and the North American XB-70 Valkyrie bomber. Although what is truly striking is that, in the sixties, the aerospace agency used the SR-71 Blackbird without knowing it. This was because the manufacturer delivered it “camouflaged” under the name YF-12C.
Already in the 1990s, the reconnaissance aircraft was used for studies related to aerodynamics, propulsion systems, thermal insulation materials, and the collection of data on high temperatures and speeds, among other topics. Although one of the most important investigations was related to the search for a method to reduce the boom sonic, one of the main problems of supersonic aviation.
NASA also used the SR-71 Blackbird in experiments with an ultraviolet video camera to study celestial objects. Likewise, he mounted lasers on the aircraft to obtain information on speed, angle of attack and sideslip; data that was typically generated using air pressure.
The demonstration of October 9, 1999 was not intended to be the last of the legendary aircraft. Actually, the final farewell had been scheduled for the next day, but the flight had to be canceled due to a technical failure which caused a loss of fuel greater than usual.
Unlike other SR-71 Blackbirds that were sent to museums immediately after retirement, the NASA models received different treatment. the two aircraft were stored in operating condition until 2002 and only after that year were they located in museums. One is at the Air Zoo in Michigan and the other is at the Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base.