Was there, could there, ever be a replacement for the Lockheed Skunk Works SR-71?
Temporarily, there is. Lockheed’s SR-91 Aurora. Or is there?
Probably one of the most incredible examples of the analog age, the technology behind the Lockheed SR-71 begs a post which I am, actually, in the process of writing. The entire SR-71 program, massively expensive, was taken down — in retrospect — way too early in consideration of the inefficiencies of satellites.
I would refer you, as I display here, to a LeWeb 2012 talk given by a “sled driver” named Brian Shul who lives in Chico, California, not far from Beale AFB where he was assigned as an SR-71 pilot.
An amazing individual with an amazing life, Shul was one of literally a handful of persons privileged and trained to fly the SR-71. After watching the video below about the SR-71 you’ll come to understand what an astounding accomplishment it was to even build the craft, much less make it as efficient and successful as it was.
The SR-71 became an analog aircraft in a digital world that succeeded beyond anyone’s and everyone’s expectations.
Finally, is the SR-91 Aurora a myth?
In 2006, renowned aviation writer Bill Sweetman had stated and derived to a conclusion that, “This evidence of 20 years of examining budget “holes”, unexplained sonic booms, plus the Gibson sighting , helps establish the program’s initial existence. My investigations continue to turn up evidence that suggests current activity. For example, having spent years sifting through military budgets, tracking untraceable dollars and code names, I learned how to sort out where money was going. This year, when I looked at the Air Force operations budget in detail, I found a $9-billion black hole that seems a perfect fit for a project like Aurora.”
You must decide for yourself.
BZ
‘Something’ is out there… 🙂 That first picture in the video is a CGI of something from a movie a few years ago. FYI, the ‘area’ off the coast is W-291, a restricted area used by Vandenburg, Pt Magu and Edwards… 🙂
That’s true. But I had to put some kind of graphic in there. I think we’ve got something; just not sure what. One thing I WILL bet? It’s unmanned.
BZ
One argument against. No way could we go eight years with the Lightbringer in the Oval Office without someone in his administration running their mouths.
Hussein did despise our military, indeed. However, as opposed to politicians, line level engineers, mechanics, workers, pilots, they can all be heavily prosecuted if secrets revealed — unlike DC.
BZ
He may never have known.
I’m reminded of Independance Day.
Visited the Air Force Museum in 86 and had a conversation with an SR-71 driver who just dropped one off to be retired. He stated it was faster to fly the plane around the world than to do a 180 degree turn and return to the point of origin. May have been BS but that’s what he claimed. Hope this new craft has more speed and is stealthier. We need all the advantage we can get.
I believe, and I also believe it IS manned… Runs to high and too fast to be autonomous and flying it like a drone, the pilot in the US and the drone who knows where just don’t work for me…