Nov 07,
the Defense Logistics Agency and NASA disposed, sheared, shredded,
buried, and destroyed 2,151,760 pounds of SR-71 related property in the
final disposition of parts and equipment at Barstow Ca.
See the
official power point presentation at this web site-
6.5
million Pieces of SR-71 related property is shredded by the jaws of
these giant beasts.
In the
background are the 4 huge warehouses that contained Blackbird parts
under secure Marine guard for many years.
The mighty SR-71 and her tooling proved too much for the 17,000
lbs per square inch force of these humongous hardened tool steel jaws.
Not all the parts could be shredded and they had to be sent out for
(special) final destruction.
Below are the before and after
shots of the inside of the warehouses.
For anyone interested in seeing a
Skunk Works SR-71 titanium fabrication video check out this link--
Here is an email I recently
received from a Blackbird Fan. I left out the senders name for obvious
reasons.
I just wanted to show collectors how rare their
pieces are.
"Hello do you have any SR-71 pieces
(titanium) left for sale? I see on your website some photos of turkey
feather pieces - how much would those costs? Or possibly some smaller
sections, preferably with some emissive paint or stamp marks on them.
This would be an interesting display piece to own. Also, one other
question - as you can see from my e-mail address, I work for a titanium
company (TITANIUM METALS CORPORATION) - in fact TIMET made some of the
13-11-3 alloy (company name) that was used throughout on the blackbird
as you know, but long before I got here."
"We no longer make the 13-11-3 alloy, not sure
if the other companies do anymore either, but we do make a few beta
alloys that are nearly the same, but a little easier to make than
13-11-3 supposedly was."
TIMET is the world's largest
supplier of high quality Titanium metal products.
Titanium Metals Corporation is noted
as the supplier for the titanium used to build the SR-71 as noted on
page 10 of the recently declassified CIA document, HISTORY OF THE OXCART
PROGRAM prepared by Clarence L. Johnson, 1 July 1968.
FedEx delivered the ring this afternoon. It is beautiful, and worth every penny. My daughter will be very pleased and surprised on her birthday, which is October 28. I seem to recall that she and I have seen this particular Blackbird at the Smithsonian, so it will have just that much more meaning for her.
Many thanks, good job, and this is one hell of a way to keep 'em flying.
John Cox
Dan,
I received the samples in the mail today and they look fantastic. I'm very excited to be able to own pieces of aviation history and have the opportunity to be able to mount them with models of the planes for others to see.
Thank you again.
David Sim
I received my order early this week, and what an excellent piece! I just wanted to say thank you, as the piece is much larger than what I had ordered. I really appreciate it, it is one of my favorite pieces in my entire collection of military aviation memorabilia. I have been fascinated by the SR-71 since I was a child, and it is truly remarkable to own a piece of it, and it's incredible history. Thanks again,
Parker Sharp
Hi Dan,
I took delivery of the package today. Absolutely outstanding!!!! Thank you ever so much Sir.
The bracelet fits perfectly and those pieces will look superb framed with the patches.
Once again thank you.
Best wishes,
Bill Aitchison
Dan,
I recently received as gifts from my wife two beautiful pieces
from you, a dog tag from 972 and a small pocket tool from 958. The
craftsmanship is excellent, thank you for much for working with her she
has nothing but words of thanks and how you worked with her to come up
with these.
I personally wanted to thank you.
Regards, Adam Mosley
Greetings Dan,
Thank you for the most wonderful cross shield! It fits nicely in the ACU
pocket and I am most grateful. Truly you have given me a great gift.
Wherever I go, I will carry your Armor of God. Prayers your
way!
Blessings,
Jeff Clemens, U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, 101st Airborne Division.
As an old Marine Corps helicopter pilot, one wouldn't think
I would be interested in parts from an SR-71. However, when stationed
on Okinawa I used to stand on a high hill overlooking Kadena AFB and
watch the SR-71 take off on evenings. I was thrilled then to watch this
awesome A/C and am now thrilled at the chance of obtaining a piece of
this A/C. I would love to have material to make or you make a knife
blade. Or the pictured scalpel or key chain. Any piece would fit into
this old pilot's memories.
Thanks Faustin Wirkus Col USMC (Ret)
Dan-
Thanks for
your prompt answer to my request for info on SR-71 parts. Also, thanks
for your sentiments on my service. As pilots, we owe you a big thanks
for all the work you did on planes we flew.
Reviewing the parts
list you provided, I would like to have the 11 inch Titanium assembly
piece. I have ordered a beautiful picture of the SR-71 which along with
the assembly piece and printed information, I will have framed in a
shadow box type frame. Along those lines, please provide me with as much
information that you can about the part. IE., where the piece is
located on the a/c, BuNo of the a/c and what type SR-71, etc.
Send
along your invoice and I will pay as soon as I receive it. Thanks again
Dan and please remember me if you come across any more great pieces.
Thanks Faustin Wirkus
Col USMC (Ret)
Dan-- Between tornados
and work I haven't had a chance to thank you for the SR-71 parts and
information. I particularly appreciated the extra part you sent with
your autograph. The package arrived last Monday a week ago about 1300.
Such prompt delivery. The pictures of the SR-71 I ordered have arrived
and I am now in the process of planning the framing of the whole
exhibit.
Thank you again Dan.
Faustin Wirkus
These SR-71 "Turkey Feathers"
are still covered in JP-7 exhaust soot.
"THE
MUSEUM OF FORGOTEN WARRIORS"
Dann Spear, has the best and most comprehensive
military collections that I have ever seen.
40
years of personal memorabilia, history, and artifacts, from every
aspect of US military history.
A
library and research center with the best sources of data posible, from
the people who served.
Check out his web site
Chief Master Sergeant
Robert A. Brown, USAF Retired
My friend and
neighbor, Chief Brown is a big fan, of the SR-71 Blackbird, and now the
proud owner of an authentic piece of SR-71 Titanium from aircraft
#17958, the Worlds Fastest Jet.
Chief Brown is also
the youngest surviving member of the Bataan Death March and an American
POW from the Philippine Islands during World War II.
Chief Brown told me
that when he goes by the SR-71 #17963 at Beale AFB, he stops and
SALUTES.
Below is a comment by
the most important person in the recognition and history documentation
of the Blackbird program. His work has reached and educated millions of
people worldwide. His name is "Leland Haynes" HABU
Dan, “I am
overwhelmed with the contents you have sent me. I stared in awe at the
SR-71 silhouette and the 972 expansion joint. I kept saying to my wife
“This is just incredible!” I cannot adequately express my gratitude to
you for sharing your talent and artwork with me. These items are one of a
kind and for sure are now one of my most prized possessions.”
“I
thank you Dan for taking the time and effort to reform these titanium
pieces into true works of art not only for me but for generations to
come. These items are truly one of the highlights of my Blackbird
experience.” Leland
This bird 971 was
lookin real good on its return to Beale. Col. Stan Gudmundsun
You can see the
Thunderbirds in the background, they really had to put on a show that
day, being 971 was getting all the attention. And like always they sure
did.
Over a 150,000 people were
reported to be on the flight line that day.
Dan,
I am so thrilled with my purchase
that leaving great feedback was the least I could do. I've always been
in love with the SR-71 and the chance to own even a small piece is
incredible. I've seen it fly many times and been in awe each time. Being
able to buy these items seem to connect me to the aircraft in a way
that I would never able to do. I have been in the military since 1984
and have worked the F-15, F-16, and now am on the B-2 program but have
never been as excited about them. I can't believe that an aircraft as
superior as the SR-71 was ever phased out. It's dominance of the sky
should make every American proud that we have this jet in our heritage.
Thanks for the chance to own part of that!
I will be
buying other things over time. Right now, I'm interested in the swizzle
stick if it's still available. Please let me know if it is and how to
purchase.
Thanks,
Bryan
A
WONDERFUL WEB SITE!
Dan, A sincere thanks
for putting the book up front on the fan page, you have done a great
job on all the pages and I hope to get a chance to see you in
McMinnville so you can tell me about working Titanium. Best of luck in
your enterprises.
Sincerely, Donn
Colonel Donn A.
Byrnes, USAF (Retired)
Colonel Byrnes was
instrumental from the early days of the Blackbird program, SR-71/YF-12
Test Force.
He was an SR-71 Sensor Test
Engineer and Flight Test Engineer
UNITED
STATES AIR FORCE
KC-135 STRATOTANKER
Since the first Boeing KC-135A rolled out of the
Renton, Washington assembly line on 18 July 1956, five different
variants of Stratotankers have been the mainstay of the Air Force tanker
fleet. Three generations of tanker crews sat alert, deployed to remote
locations, and supported combat operations around the world.
General Curtis LeMay
referred to tanker crews as Strategic Air Command’s "Unsung Heroes," and
the men and women who call themselves "Crewdogs" are surely that.
Moreover, the KC-135’s extraordinary success has depended upon the skill
and dedication of crew chiefs, maintenance and logistics personnel, and
the hundreds of other professional specialties who help put KC-135s
into the air.
Built to refuel SAC's
bomber force on a nuclear strike, KC-135s are classified as a nuclear
alert asset and have given fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, and
airlifter’s truly global reach. Many versions of the KC-135 have been
built including a (Q) model, a modified version) used to refuel the
renowned SR-71 Blackbird. The (Q) s’ refueling support allowed the
Blackbird to break many speed and altitude world records. Some of these
missions helped in settling political disputes that could have led to
nuclear war.
Without "anytime,
anywhere" air refueling by KC-135s, operations such as arc light and
rolling thunder (Vietnam, 1964-1973), Desert Shield and Desert Storm
(Kuwait and Iraq, 1990-1991), Allied Force/Noble Anvil (Yugoslavia,
1999), and Iraqi Freedom (Iraq, 2003-present) would not have been
possible.
After a half century and 6.5
million flying hours, modernization programs such as quiet,
fuel-efficient, and powerful jet engines, structural upgrades, modern
flight and fuel management systems, and state-of-the-art global
navigation systems keep the KC-135 state of the art.
When "Dix" Loesch and
"Tex" Johnston took 55-3118 into the air for the first KC-135 flight on
31 August 1956, they could hardly have imagined that the KC-135 would
be flying more than 50 years later.
Dan, I have been in
the program since 1965 as at tanker nav from Little Rock AFB to Chief of
Current Ops (9SRW) to Chief Reconnaissance Systems HQ AFSC etc. Bottom
Line long time HABU. Sorry that our paths have not crossed in the past,
and I wish you well and thank you for your service and dedication to the
program. FYI, my wife, Karen, is the artist who created the Mach 3
stained glass for some of the past reunions. She has produced about 9 as
of this date and I think that she will not make any more. Some of the
owners of the glass are me, C/MSGT Bob Nicoletti (Deceased), M/Gen John
Storrie, Col Jim Watkins (patch designer), Col Tom Pugh, Col Don Emmons
and three others. Karen has the list I am just the Loggie in the
operation and do what I am told. I'm sure that you understand that.
Cheers and all the best. Steve Stenson Col USAF (RET)
"SLED DRIVER"
Dan,
Thanks for
the note. Your website is really fun to go through. That's quite a
collection of stuff you have there. I see you have some of the old Mach 1
posters there too.
I'd be very interested in seeing what you have
from aircraft 960. Perhaps we can make a deal. I'm opening up a full
gallery of my photography sometime later this year, here in Marysville
and will have some special items around the gallery. I'm including both
my nature photography as well as my aviation photos. It's something I've
always wanted to do.
I look forward to hearing from you and seeing
what you have. I recently was lucky enough to acquire a full 'pie panel'
from the leading edge of the wing, in excellent condition.
Keep
up the good work,
Brian Shul
Gallery One
515 D St Suite
3
Marysville, CA 95901
530-742-1000
www.SledDriver.com
19 April 2009, Beale AFB Flightline, in front of SR-71
Shelters
Maj. Brian
Shul, USAF (Ret) SR-71 Pilot, Award winning aviation author
Autographing MACH 3
Titanium Collectibles Proud owner of a whole SR-71
mission flown part of 61-7960
Dan,
Got
back from Haiti and found the package waiting on me. Awesome stuff and
thank you for the added cross. That will certainly find a place around
my office.
If I get time to go through some boxes, I will maybe find
the pictures of 960 taking off on the morning after the raid to
do damage assessment, and then her return as well. If I do, I will scan
them in and send them to you.
I was at Mildenhall about from 83-86.
My Dad was stationed over there and I was in middle school. I had the
opportunity to meet some of the crews on an informal / personal level,
people like Brian Shul. He went to church / chapel with us. The
Blackbird was a big part of our life over there from morning after we
arrived until pretty much when we left.
I remember the first time I
saw her. I was waiting for the school bus just outside the base, heard
an enormous roar and the black streak in the air as she took out over
East Anglia probably on her thrice weekly run to the Baltic or up north
of the USSR. I can remember many times sitting out at the end of the
hangar where my Dad worked and watching them taxi by, launch or recover.
It was fun being that close to something special.
The events of
April and May 1986 are stamped into my mind and thus the reason my
interest in 960. Brian was speaking to our Sunday school class talking
about his experiences in Vietnam and through his life, how he was not
supposed to be alive let alone fly the 71. He then quickly had to depart
and about 3-4 hours later the rumble and roar of Q’s and then the SR-71
were heard and eventually seen. That was an unusual Sunday flight and
there was then no question in our mind that something big was up. We all
knew where they were going and what was going on but we never spoke
about it of course. Then Monday night came and all the F-111’s took out
of LN and KC-10’s launched from Mildenhall. Let’s just say Quadaffi got a
midnight surprise. Something I will never ever forget.
May of 1986
is also in my minds eye rather well as that was when the famous
Blackbird flameout photo was shot at the Mildenhall Air Fete. That
happened right over my head at the Saturday show if I am not mistaken
(the Sunday show included the collision / crash of the Meteor / Vampire
display team).
Yes, I will show these pieces of history off, and
tell the stories I have of the Blackbird. What an awesome piece of
machinery. The pieces will be cherished.
Regards,
Mark
A. Houpt
Director of Campus Technology
Lincoln Christian College
and Seminary
Hey Dan, received the
Titanium spar today. What a beautiful piece. I will treasure it. The
certificate of authenticty is a nice touch. Thanks again this will look
very nice in my private SR museum. Keep in touch. LD
The business end
of the Pratt & Whitney J58 power plant.
Turkey Feathers otherwise known as Ejector Flaps are one
part of a three part system responsible for the majority of the
SR-71 Blackbirds
Thrust.
Most
of the titanium and Hastelloy X collectibles on this web site are
composed of these parts.
Hi
Dan,
Just wanted to let you know that
the ring arrived
this
afternoon, and it is perfect. Thanks so much for the certificate and
photo to go along with this ring. Our oldest son was here when I opened
your package, and he's the family mechanical engineer that designs and
builds telecommunication satellites in San Diego. He took one look at
the ring, and said "Yep, sure looks like titanium".
Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing you
on Facebook.
Good Morning Dan!
The chopsticks just arrived, they are
fantastic, I love them
and finished my breakfast of dry Cheerios with them.
They are
just what I was wanting and will use them with pride and appreciation of
their source, your efforts to work the "unobtanium" and that they are
one of a kind, crafted for me. I was not sure how the curve would work
out, but with this length it fits nicely in the hand and is just
perfect. The case was a nice touch and added piece of unique history.
I
really can't thank you enough, these are perfect in so many ways. As
you may have guessed, I use chopsticks a lot, these will supplant my old
ones from Okinawa that I carry on a daily basis in my travels.
It
is always a pleasure dealing with you; if you ever have a project you
want to try out, or any one of a kind Blackbird pieces you want to move
on, please be sure to let me know. I travel almost continuously for my
work, let me know if there is anything I can do/pick up for you from
around the world, or if I can treat you to dinner when I am in the
area. We have an office in Sacramento, so I am up your way often. Used
to live in Loomis for bit.
Thank you, Dan for this
and previous
contributions you have made towards getting our story told. Without
inputs such as yours it will not be done as each participant in the
projects at Groom Lake holds, in most cases, the only knowledge of his
part in making the projects a success. We took no notes and didn't talk
in those days. The projects at Groom Lake were classified and
compartmentalized and shared only with those having a need to know, thus
individual participation such as yours is the only way the full legacy
of the few projects just now being declassified can be told. Thank you
for your participation and we hope to publish many more of your accounts
of what happened in utmost secrecy half a century ago.
TD
Barnes
"ROADRUNNER"
http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/roadrunner_blog/?p=77#comments
I received the coin and
shield today and all I
can say is WOW! I just got back from the air and space museum where I
saw my first SR-71 in person. Then coming home to have my collectibles
waiting for me, it was just great! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Jonathan
Schuldt
Hi
Dan,
I want
to thank you so very much for the AWESOME presentation and the very
kind words.
I have already had it framed and it is displayed
prominently in my main bookcases in the living room where I keep all my
aviation treasures, I am glad you enjoyed A-12. Soon as we get some
fresh copies of Archangel, I'll be sure to send one out to you. That
should be in the early new year .
The only A-12 book that I have
left is in pretty poor shape, so I don't know if you want it or not, it
was my marked up copy.
Let me know if you want it.
Best
wishes for a very happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Keep
in touch.
Jeannette Remak
Dan,
Funny story about titanium: I worked on the
A-12 on the Intrepid for 6 years restoring her for the USAF Museum. I
was the aircraft historian there. She is up on the flight deck, it gets
mighty cold. One day I was up there, we were cutting metal to replace
the saw tooth panels after we removed all the old RTV and asbestos. It
had to be about 25 degrees up there. I slit my fingers on a sharp edge
of the airframe, I DIDN'T BLEED till I got back down to the shop.When
it did start to bleed it was hectic! The guys took me over to St Luke
Roosevelt with a roll of paper towels wrapped around my hand. I took a
few stitches but never the less, it got seriously infected. The doctor
asked what I had cut my hand on and I told him the A-12, what's it made
out of, titanium. well long story short I got blood poisoning from the
A-12! I love that girl!!! to this day I still have the scars on my
fingers!
The XB-70 Valkyrie-The Ride to Valhalla and A-12
Declassified are both out of print but you can get them at Amazon.
relatively cheap. We would be happy to sign them. I think I may have an
extra copy of A-12. If I have, I'll autograph it and send it to you. The
Archangel and the OXCART, is in revision right now and should be
available around Christmas. The first edition is out there. Hang on for a
bit and wait for the revised edition and I'll sign that for you too.
Jeannette
Now...Bring
me that horizon..
Dan:
I just found your site
and enjoyed and
appreciate what you have done and are doing, THANX for sharing!!!
I
was at BEALE 74-79 and then RAF Mildenhall 79-81...It was 1981 when I
was driven to RAF Alconbury in a staff car driven by a lt. Col and
offered a job as NCOIC Fuel Systems for the Beddown there with the
'BLACK CATs'. I turned down the offer and believe thats what ended my
"BLACK" Career..
I missed the last 'BLACKBIRD' ReUnion in RENO- the
first since I retired in 93 due to Health reasons. Pat Hartley [recently
passed {cancer}],Earl Wheaton, Jack Barrie and Don White [all Fuel
Systems] have been regulars at the ReUnions, John McAleer and Mike
Troiano also FUELS have attended a few. Earl and Pat were there to pull
me out and revive me from Fuel Tank #3 of AC #979 the nite that I passed
out inside the Fuel tank while looking for the source of a FUEL LEAK...
It was Mark [SPANKY] Duncan that was in the cockpit and pressurized the
FUEL SYSTEM allowing me to pinpoint the leak as I was sprayed in the
face and chest with JP7 coming from a leaking Back Pressure Control
Valve {BPCV} or 'FOOTBALL' as we knew it! I was told later that it was
Earl that got me out of the tank and started chest compressions- as the
ranking individual[Tsgt] he took charge and and told SPANKY to have the
Line Chief get us an AMBULANCE and Pat Hartley [SSgt] to grab my feet
and they carried me outside the shelter to fresh air..
Sorry bout
rambling... flood of memories there...!!!
Just wondering if you
have any TITANIUM from AC #979 [now at Lackland AFB.???
Again
THANX!!
RESPECTz
Tom N. Tower [TNT] SMsgt. (RET)
A message from a
fellow SR-71 Egress
Systems Troop, Ted Blakeley (75-76).
Hi Dan,
YES!!!!
Pam's bracelet and my new wedding band arrived!!! WE LOVE THEM BOTH!!!
No one could have done a better job. They arrived on Saturday and the
ring is so comfortable that I haven't had it off since. Dan, I can't
thank you enough for having this wonderful service available. Pam's
bracelet fits her great. And not only do I have a beautiful new wedding
band but to part of such a historical bird flown by a number of SUPER
GREAT SR crew members, especially JT, the high time man.
I sent a
couple of things....I'm sure you'll know someone that will get a kick
out the extra I sent.
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Cheers,
Ted
Blakeley
1984
Skunk Works Advertisment
Hi Dan.
I'm looking for
some "experienced"
SR-71 bits to incorporate into the Vans RV-7 that I'm currently
building, just to keep some "Blackbird" pieces flying.
Since I
worked on the SR-71 from 1967-69 as an A/2C at Beale (I was in
Electronic Warfare and EMR) I was hoping to find something from either
cockpit (a toggle switch, a covered toggle switch, an info plate, a dial
switch, really anything) that I can "KEEP FLYING".
Something
functional (like a switch) would be best, but I'd even take a nut, bolt,
or screw. Some history (like tail number) would be good.
Please
let me know what you might have, and what it might cost.
As an
aside, I'm also building into my little airplane small containers
holding sand from Kill Devil Hill (aka Kitty Hawk) and Normandy, France.
You can see that I'm an aviation and military "romantic".
As
another aside, and something I suspect that you know, the moniker
"Blackbird" was a little late in coming. When we were deployed TDY to
Okinowa, we all called the airplane the "Habu", in fact.
Thanks
for doing this!
With best regards - - Tom Parker, Carmichael,
California
Hi Dan!
I
just received the two strips of SR71 titanium: absolutely marvelous!
Do
you have three more at the same price? If so, the e-mail address above
is the one to send a Paypal request to!
Thanks once again!
David
B.
Crossed
Swords /
Persian Gulf
Dan,
Once again I am impressed with not only your
superb response but
your vast knowledge. I understand a great deal of what you're saying
because I'm not only an engineer, but I'm also an aerospace design
engineer. I have not had the pleasure of working on any Military
aircraft yet, but I enjoy working with commercial aircraft. I'm 42 and
I work for Spirit Aerosystems in Tulsa OK. I'm originally from Wichita
KS.
Please send me a PayPal voucher for the plaque
and bottle
opener. The bottle opener with the rounded end is it the one with the
flight record or the altitude record?
If you lived near me I'd love to meet
you and pick your brain over a
few beers.
Thank you so much,
Craig
Bunck
25 MISSIONS
Thank
you. My brother in law is a Navy Top Gun
flight instructor. He is out flying overseas right now as we speak. I
actually was born on Nellis AFB in 1968 when my father was there. I
would like to thank you for your years of service to our country.
Wow you are fast! Thank you so
much. This will mean the world to Dave.
Dave loves the ring. It is perfect. Thank you for your great
service.
Cheers,
EveAnna Manley,
President
Manley Laboratories, Inc.
Dan,
You
and Leland are the ones who are providing the greatest contributions by
sacrificing/donating your time to develop and maintain awesome websites
showing the World how significant these masterpieces are in our history
and future... The ingenuity of our nation's engineers, scientists, and
aviators and all who surround and support them...
Peace brother...
Thanks for the kind words, and certainly keep up the great work!
...3+>
Danno
//SIGNED//
DANIEL R. GUERRA
Flight Safety Services Corporation
Dan,
My brother
and I would
like send our thanks for the rings. Being able to own a piece of a
Blackbird is just fantastic. Your craftsmanship on the ring is superb,
not to mention your speedy service.
Thanks again.
David Sim
Good day, I am
writing to
inquire the pricing of two items you have listed. First is the Custom
Ring made from #974, second is 1-3/4 inch Titanium Coins from SR-71
61-7974 ICHI BAN First Operational Sortie.
I spent almost 20 of my 24 active years
in
reconnaissance outfits, 544 ARTW, 548 RTG (twice), and 544 SRW. I was
one of the processing guys that did the film from Blackbirds and U-2's.
Got to staff
Det 1 in 1978 and was actually able to sit in the cockpit of Habu #974
which was parked next to our photo processing vans hanger when I was
there.
I
also helped make the photo strip maps that they used for SR-71 Recon
missions. The guy that trained me told me that when they had some real
long missions flying from Okinawa to Vietnam they would put a Playboy
centerfold in the strip just to break up the mission stuff. None of the
CO’s minded as long as it was just a Playboy centerfold.
I am
definitely interested in at least the ring and I'll get my finger sized
at some jewelry store. Almost bought a money clip a few weeks back from
another source but then as I read it said it was just made of good
titanium, not from a real SR-71 Blackbird. I have been using Paypal off
eBay for over 7 years now and think that is great that you can do it
that way. So when I order it will be a smooth transaction.
When they were
decommissioned it was a sad day in my book. I have a bunch of the key
chains, tie tacks, etc that the Lockheed reps sold. But having something
made from a Blackbird would be really nice.
Thanks again for
keeping parts of the Blackbird around for all of us who knew and loved
her.
Mark
Mizner MSgt USAF (Ret)
I would like to
know pricing of the
titanium ring shown on your products page. I'll have the size figured
out before I order. Is one available from 972?
Dan thanks. I can't wait to
get it. My encounter with 972 was back in Sept 1974 at RAF Mildenhall.
From what I can reconstruct, 972 made the speed record from New York
City to London and landed at the Farnsborough air show. When it was to
return to the US it flew to RAF Mildenhall to fuel up. I was in 6th
grade at the time at RAF Lakenheath out for recess. I noticed this
strange looking black aircraft that appeared to be landing. The school
put us on buses and took us on a field trip to see the plane.I remember
the crowd and someone was handing out small Blackbird posters. With the
advent of the internet, I was able to go back and determine it was 972,
track down current location at Dulles Airport and visit her again. I
have fond memories and now a memento of the great bird to wear. Can you
tell I am a little excited?
THANK
YOU..... Ed
W.
Dan,
I was an aircraft tow specialist
for all the SR's as well as the B52 and the KC135Q. If it moved on the
ground without power I was moving it. 960 is the only one on the list I
can remember. Getting old is a bitch. I will have my order in as soon as
I receive the PAY PAL invoice. Thanks for providing memorabilia of the
greatest aircraft that ever flew. I still remember watching the SR take
off and land as well as watching the engine runs at night on the trim
pad. Those sites were awesome and hard to explain to someone that never
saw it. I have not been in contact with any other Habu's, except when I
joined the Blackbird Association (Member No. 1699), since I left Beale
in 1978. I cross trained to C130 crew chief and spent the next year on
C130's. I miss the SR days. Thanks, Larry Chene
Glenn Buckley's display.
Dan, I would
have put a more glowing response in the feedback
section had there been more room. It is people like yourself who are the
backbone of this nation and the effort you put in to preserve history
of our accomplishments. That memento has more meaning to me as I NEVER
was interested in acquiring any until now. I have been retired from the
military and the "Company" for over 30 years now so I guess it is time.
Again thank you again for offering this item. I shall pass it down the
line. The A12, YFA12 and SR71A were truly great machines and #6972 was
very special. -Col. John A White “bluemax_11”
Hi Dan, Greetings from
Australia.
My partner recently purchased three bottle openers
and a start key (robert norelli) from you. I know when purchasing
off the net it can be hard to get to know someone's personality. Well
with that in mind I would like to first say "Robert is not to buy a
whole Blackbird for our front yard"!
We have just become
engaged to be married in March '09. I selected my ring yesterday, a
girley design with ten small diamonds. Only a total of 0.3 carats, but
beautiful and sparkly, and this ring is what leads me to you. Rob and I
had a discussion about a wedding ring for him, where he informed me he
doesn’t like wearing rings. Dan it took my brain about 2 minutes to
suggest a ring made from a Blackbird, his smile was instant.
Dan
this is where you come in........ please say you can make a ring, I am
fully aware your not a jeweler, and since the Blackbird is made of
titanium, fabricating a ring will require the skill of a master
machinist like yourself.
If you should accept this mission, I
can provide measurements and suggestions for designs, but ultimately the
design is up to what you can do and your artistic muse. Dan, I know Rob
will wear a ring only if it is truly special. And I believe that a
wedding ring fabricated from Blackbird titanium, having flown higher and
faster than anything other than our love, will be the perfect ring. The
Blushing Bride, Pamela Rose
WOW!!! It is PERFECT, exactly
what we had in mind. LOVE IT LOVE
IT. When can we get it? And what do we owe you? Thank you
SOOOOOOOOO much, Pamela
Hi Dan, Perhaps
this is a good time for some historical background.
I have had only fleeting
opportunities to see the ring you
created. Much of this dismay is of my own doing, as Pam's wedding ring
arrived before your ring. I refused to allow her to wear it (she does
have an engagement ring) and I thereby put her wedding ring into the
safe.
Well....when the Blackbirds ring arrived, she showed it to
me only long enough to whet my appetite, then into the safe it went.
Fair is fair. A week or so later (after her point was made) Pam allowed
me to try on the ring for size. Perfect fit!!!
I learned of the Blackbird 10 or 12 years ago, and I have
read multiple books on the subject. It is the men and women behind the
scenes that impress me the most. I often include photos and factual
tidbits in the lectures I deliver. The take-home message is that a
technology 50 years old can truly be the best; most advanced technology
available assuming that the job was performed properly in the first
instance. In the case of the Blackbird, it was.
So back to the
ring you created. Its simplicity and fluidity of lines seems to impress
all who see it. The story behind the materials results in an even split
of incredulity, and disbelief. There is a local jeweler of Aussie opals,
who also sells titanium jewelry, who is 'gob-smacked' (as they say here
in Oz).
As for the Wirriway display, it is simply my way of
saying thank-you for a job well done. In your own special way, you are
setting your own altitude and speed records.
Cheers, Mate.
Rob
Dan,
I have a unique request for
you. I got a small
part of a spar over a year ago, from ebay and have since framed it and
it's on my wall, and thought you might be able to help on this next
request. I've been working for 8 years on a turbine powered model of the
SR-71, and have successfully test flown it. Many people from the full
size project have been following along on my progress. I'm now to the
point of building my documentation, for both national and international
scale competitions, and am looking for a piece of titanium that would
have a good representation of the original black paint on it. Could you
please contact me, so I could tell you in detail what I'm looking for?
Thanks
for your time,
Lance
Dan,
Picked it up yesterday.
The
black looks great on the piece, and fits the bill just what I was
looking for. Also thanks for the extra piece as well, that was an
unexpected bonus.
I hope to have the show plane ready to take paint
by the end of the year, but before that, I'll have to run a few practice
pieces through to make sure the paint combination's work out properly
to match the piece you sent.
Also, this last weekend, the prototype
got loaded in the trailer and is now ready for continued flight testing.
I
continue to be impressed with what you an the others did on the program
and hope that my small bird can do it a small amount of justice.
Thanks,
Lance
Campbell
Dan, A bunch of us
from our local airport will go to Kalamazoo
Air Zoo to see the SR-71 trainer this week-end.
I can only imagine what it must have been like to see an SR-71
take off/land, or to work on one. The Blackbird has a big following
where I'm taking flying lessons. We're all amazed at how fast and
beautiful these jets are, not to mention how high they flew.
I'll look up Beale AFB to see if there are any photos. Thanks.
Yvonne
Thanks for this dedicated
website!
I've read about your making of custom jewelry from SR-71
parts, and I'd like to know if you could make a pin that spells out
“SLED HEAD” for me.
Please let me know if this is do-able, and, if
you would be so kind, I'd like to get a rough idea of how much a one-off
item like this will set me back.
I was a Sled
Head
long before I knew the term existed. I've been quite interested in
that amazing bird since I first heard about her in 1968 or so.
I must've been in junior high when the seemingly 'double-booms'
happened, and we all got a huge kick out of the noise---made the windows
rattle in that old school building. We theorized it was 2 jets
breaking the proverbial sound barrier close together (what did we know).
A cousin who was a 2-star hinted
around as to the source of that unusual 'double.' Eventually, I
acquired photos and a bit of info. Been fascinated with that aircraft
ever since.
In the mid 1990s, I
was in Iowa
for an internship in compounding pharmacy, and I wanted to go to the SAC
base near Omaha to see the SR-71 that was supposed to be there in their
museum. Turns out the museum was locked up pending the arrival of funds
to build the new SAC museum near Aurora, Nebraska.
Nevertheless I persisted, and eventually I was allowed in to
where the SR-71 was stored. Eeee gads! It was as though they had
her in someone's back yard: she was out in the weather, resting just on
her own tires in the hard-packed dirt, with WEEDS growing up around her!
Tragic.
Still, it was a
heart-stopping
thrill to see a Blackbird up close & personal. And, now that I'm a
docent at the Seattle Museum of Flight, I get to talk about the
Blackbird 'family of aircraft' to other soon-to-be- Sled Heads every
week ---yeeee haw!!
Once a year
(between Christmas
and New Years' Day) we have 'Blackbird Tip-to-Tail Tours' wherein, twice
daily, my fellow docents and I competitively take turns giving one-hour
(ok, they usually go on for at least TWO hours; but they're officially
one hour) tours of this miraculous supereminent aircraft.
How delightful it is to be required to study up on her, and to be
quizzed unmercifully about her! So, naturally, I attend (with great
enthusiasm) Brian Shul's annual presentations at the Museum of
Flight---it's a joy and a pleasure each and every time I
have the privilege of hearing him speak! And I have the pleasure of
owning, reading, and enjoying his eye-popping informative books about
this stunner of an aircraft. Criminey, I'm running out of superlatives,
so will sign off for now.
Dan, those are
gorgeous! You talented genius you! BOTH pins are truly beautiful!! And
I'll take 'em both please. Thanks once again for these amazing pins.
And thanks, especially, for your (continuing) service to our Country!
All the Best to Dan, Katie Wasem, SLED HEAD
Now, about that swizzle stick:
of course, I need one! The Turkey Feathers must be displayed. And of
course you're right: The Blackbird Program is worthy of far more
attention that it gets. It amazes me every time I give a tour (which
always ends with at least 10 to 20 minutes about our MD-21) how many
people have never heard of the Blackbirds. Those who've heard of it are
usually amazed (LOVE that deer-in-the-headlights look!) when they hear
about overcoming the seemingly insurmountable problems in the
acquisition & construction with titanium; the speed, altitudes,
conditions; the records shattered; the photos taken; the
Astro-inertial Navigation System (ANS); how many missiles were fired at
her; how short-sighted our federal government once again proved to be
(we always seem to have plenty of cash to support cockamamie ideas for
'the arts,' public radio, going to Mars, and paying people to not work
{why don't we send the able bodied non-working-by-choice people
there?}; but I digress); and that all this was built using no actual
computers, but just brains, paper, pencils, & slide rules (no one
under 50 remembers slide rules! young whippersnappers. hrumph).
Shock & Awe! AND THE AIRCRAFT IS SITTING STILL!
I heard from a long-time docent how the Museum of Flight
acquired the very front end of an SR that crashed. We have it out where
people can get in to the front seat and try it on for size (I like to
remind folks that, although it feels snug in street clothes, imagine
wearing a 'astronaut suit' and sitting there for six hours). Anyway,
he said that, when the delegation was at Lockheed, they were offered a
trip to the scrap yard to take anything they wanted! (Why wasn't I
there?? I would've furnished my house). They took the front end
piece, mentioned above, and that was it! Nothing else, clearly, they
lacked foresight.
And I've another
'pin' idea, but
not sure how do-able it is: the 'SLED HEAD' engraving or laser on a
pin shaped like The Sled. Whaddaya think? Dan, this is delightful.
Thanks again, so very much!
Best Regards, Katie
Dear Dan, The swizzle stick
arrived and it is fantastic! Love the "extras!" Thanks so much! Katie
Dan, How much for a
key ring bottle opener shipped to the UK. It would make the perfect
present for my hubby! (Michael Jones) Thanks
I received the package today Daniel and its amazing! Thank you
so
much. The cert is perfect too. I am going to get them both mounted in a
boxed frame. It will be the best gift ever.
Thanks again
Take
care, Traci
Hello again Dan
I
have just
had a really good look at the website and it's amazing. I really can't
wait to see my hubbies face. He has loved this aircraft for as long as I
have known him and long before. I did an oil painting of it for his
40th 4 years ago. He loves that! Getting quite excited. I have to
contain myself as this will be such a great surprise-he doesn't know
these items exist (as didn't I). Also your involvement is something he
would be extremely envious of. Once again thanks you so much
Kind
Regards, Traci
Hi, it’s me again. I
was wondering if you could do one last piece
for me. It would either be a challenge coin, dog tag, or presentation
piece like you have been selling on ebay with the hastelloy X base. If
you could incorporate a laser etching of something related to the
picture attached and the date of 10/27/99. I would be looking at the 75
to 100 dollar range. Let me know what you think and your ideas.
Thanks,
J.D. Roy
Dan, I have
original blueprints of the cockpit. I also have some
really nice pieces (large) still with paint and stenciling on them.
Could you take a look and give me your feedback. Thanks for your great
website. Vinnie
It's about time someone made
things available. I retired in 88 from the Machine shop...9th. Need a
coffee cup? Let me know. Walt Likert
Hi Dan I hope this isn't bad
manners on my part. Perhaps you recall a fellow named Richard Jones in
the USAF at Beale in late 1989 and/or early 1990. He was an engine
mechanic and worked at the engine test area, too, apparently helped on
some J-58 engine test runs at the end of the Habu program He didn't work
on the Habu a/c if I understood his words correctly. He was new on the
base and just getting to know the J-58. He is an acquaintance of mine
and I met him again a few days ago so we talked about his Beale days. He
recalls machine shops a little, says it is possible he knows you so I
said I'd send an email. That's it, in short maybe he is on a list or in a
photo???? Well, maybe yes and maybe no, but worth a try by me. Hope I'm
not sending you on a wild goose chase as many people must have passed
through Beale. Robert, enjoying my keychain bottle opener.
You made me a money clip from a turkey
feather several months back ! I need two more for xmas presents to my
two sons !
I looked but didn't see them listed in the products
listing ? Please e-mail me if they are still available !
I was
an E8 with the 5th BW at Travis AFB and came up to assist the 14th AD
several times on inspections 1965-1970 ! Great Aircraft !
SMsgt
Ron Stanford USAF RET
Hi Dan,
Got the package when I
picked up my mail today. Great keychain and GREAT PICTURE!!!!!!!!
Thanks for sending it; I will put it up on my wall here in my computer
room. It will make a nice addition. That must have been one helluva
experience being so close to that bad boy when it was fired up like
that! I can only imagine the experience1 I envy you getting to be so
close to the Blackbirds all those years! I have only seen them fly
twice. Once, when it did the "retirement" flyover at Lockheed Burbank,
and again, at the Air Force 50th anniversary Air Show at Edwards AFB.
That one was great, they had one on display that you could get up close
and personal with on the tarmac next to a pair of F117s (guarded of
course). Great show that day! By the way, thought you might be
interested in a tidbit I got from a source in the "industry" shall we
say? According to him, there are 4 Blackbirds that are still airworthy
and operational. I can't really say who he is or how he knows, but he
has been involved peripherally with them, and he and a friend in the
Skunk Works have knowledge of them. I can only hope the info is
accurate, and there is some left flying. It breaks my heart to think
that there are no more Blackbirds in the air. They deserve better than
that! Anyway, it's just a little info between you and me that I thought
you might enjoy. Thanks again for the keychain and the awesome picture!
Scott
Dan thanks for your kind words
about dad! I really miss him, and this is a great way to honor his
memory. I remember as a kid telling me and my brother every Sunday night
he would be leaving for the week to go to someplace called "the area". I
had no idea where or what it was or what he was doing until 1964 when
he finally let on that he had been working on the Blackbird. That’s all
he would say about it for quite a while, until they retired it, and even
then all he would say to some of my questions was "that’s secret, I
can't tell you". What a great airplane, and a great achievement in
aviation! I still have his black and white Skunk Works hard hat stored
at the house! That is one of my favorite things of his! Adding the money
clip will be a very special thing for me! Thanks for your help!
Hello, I want to find out about getting a money clip from you,
and whether or not it can be engraved for me. My dad was a liaison
engineer with the Skunk Works and worked at Area 51 on the development
of the YF-12A, and I would like a money clip to carry to remember him
by. I don't know how big the clip is or how much engraving can be done
on one. If you can engrave the clip, I was hoping for something along
the lines of; In memory of Joe Sutherland Liaison Engineer Lockheed
Skunk Works Project Oxcart 1956-1968 Please let me know about the
possibility, as I want to order one of those as well as one of the $39
key chains from you. Thanks in advance for your help. Scott Sutherland
Hi Dan,
I wanted
to write to thank you for the phenomenal job
you did on the money clip you made for me. It is a great piece and a
great tribute to my father! The certificate you sent with it was great
too! I will treasure them both. Thank you again for a job well done!!
I also wanted to forward the pictures of my dad’s
Skunk Works hardhat he took with him when he retired from Lockheed.
It's a little dinged up, but still a great memento of a first rate
organization and the incredible aircraft they built. Hope you enjoy
them! Thanks again Dan!
Scott
Greetings from Cape Town, I
really admired the knights cross and shield made from the SR71 in fab
colours. Would it be possible to order a similar duplicate? If so,
please advise costs and I will arrange payment on my US bank account.
Kind regards LP Ordway
Dan, My wife absolutely loves
the ring. She hasn’t taken it off since it arrived. My sincere
compliments go to you for your fantastic work. My wife is a jeweler
apprentice and custom makes jewelry as a hobby. These are her words,
(for someone who says he is not a jeweler he sure has ring making down
pat,) she said the workmanship was excellent. On a personal note, your
items are first class, and I plan to order more to add to my personal
"wall of achievements momentos and c.w.r.s. etc what would you charge
for a polished hastalloy sample like the one you sent w/c.o.a. look
forward to hearing from you and best wishes for a great day. James Tully
GS-12 Test Engineer (ret) det: AFFTC, Boeing, NASA.
I am interested in purchasing 8
Key Chain Bottle Openers. I am currently a T-6 instructor pilot at
Laughlin AFB, TX and I will be giving these to my groomsmen (all pilots
and/or aviation enthusiasts) at my wedding on 24 May 08. Will it be
possible to ship for arrival before 24 May? Thanks. Kevin Belcher
Dan, I got the titanium and
Hastelloy pieces today. Nice job on the certificate. I really appreciate
the way you personalized it. I can hardly wait to get it framed. Keep
up the good work.
I built a 1/48
scale model of
the SR-71 back when I was on Okinawa but the years have taken its toll
on it. I am planning on building a new one and was thinking of
reproducing 974 as a tribute to the last bird lost. Do you still have
pieces from her as I may want to buy a piece from you to display on the
stand. Mark
Dan, I spent 3
years in the program, all of them at Det 1
Okinawa. What a great 3 years on a beautiful island working on the
coolest airplane on the planet. Looks like you had a pretty sweet gig as
well. Lots of stories to tell your grandkids. Have you got enough
material to keep creating your works of art/nostalgia for a while or is
this going to be a short run. Thanks, Mark
Hi Dan, Where did
you get the canopy? Here’s a piece of history, I
launched the SR #965 that day and Roy St. Martin was a good friend. I
first met him in 1962 when I was with PSD and the U-2 in Del Rio TX. We
both moved on the SR in 1965. I went out to the crash site and the
biggest piece we could find was the size of a grapefruit. By the way Roy
ejected thru the ABs because the bird was tumbling nose to tail thank
god his suit protected him but the heat melted the stab chute attached
to his seat and he had to deploy his chute early. He was a hell of a
pilot. Well enough of my old days with the BIRD by the way has anyone
bid on the canopy. Take care, my friend, Bill Miller
Whoo hoo! The items arrived
Friday. Thank you!! I am thrilled with them! Thanks too for the
Hastelloy. From info available on the Web, whoa, that's incredible
metal.
You get no argument from me. The Blackbird is unique. Given
that and its role in history, both in aviation and in service to our
country, it doesn't seem right to just scrap leftover materials. The
good news is that because of you and other private collectors some will
be saved. What you're doing is awesome! Imagine being able to actually
own a little piece of those magnificent machines! And thanks to you,
common folks like myself, have an opportunity to participate in a small
way. Owen L.
Sir, I am
interested in purchasing the item noted
above from your website. I am especially interested in items with
inspection marks or other features. Please let me know if the key chain
is still available. can you also tell me what dog tags you might have
available with similar markings also. Thanks very much. Steve Knezo
Dan thanks for your reply. I
would like to get the
Key chain for $89. If the one you have has any markings that would be
great. If not then that is still great. I am also interested in any more
information not on your extremely informative website that would tell
me anymore about this special material, its properties and how it was
manufactured. Please send the paypal invoice and I can return funds to
you that way.
Thanks and
have a great weekend.
Stephen J. Knezo Attorney at Law
As an old Marine
Corps helicopter pilot, one wouldn't think I would be interested in
parts from an SR-71. However, when stationed on Okinawa I used to stand
on a high hill overlooking Kadena AFB and watch the SR-71 take off on
evenings. I was thrilled then to watch this awesome A/C and am now
thrilled at the chance of obtaining a piece of this A/C. I would love to
have material to make or you make a knife blade, or the pictured
scalpel or key chain. Any piece would fit into this old pilot's
memories.
Thanks Faustin
Wirkus Col USMC
(Ret)
Dan-
Thanks for your prompt
answer to my request for info on SR-71 parts. Also, thanks for your
sentiments on my service. As pilots, we owe you a big thanks for
all the work you did on planes we flew.
Reviewing the parts list you provided. I would
like to have the 11 inch Titanium assembly piece. I have ordered a
beautiful picture of the SR-71 which along with the assembly piece and
printed information, I will have framed in a shadow box type frame.
Along those lines, please provide me with as much information that you
can about the part. IE, where the piece is located on the a/c, Build No
of the a//c and what type SR-71, etc.
Send along your invoice and I
will pay as soon as I receive it. Thanks again Dan and please remember
me if you come across any more great pieces.
Faustin Wirkius, Little
Rock
I see a "simple" SR
fit onto an
oval backing in black and red colors. Is this available? Michael
Carnahan(E-4) 9th AMS Photo Shop '68-'71 Thank you
Dan, I need to purchase 1 key
chain & 1 dog tag. I am giving these to my nephew and I was hoping
to get a certificate or some kind of document on each piece. My nephew
is 15 and considered aviation school. He has had a couple of flight
experiences, so I know he'd be totally interested in knowing all about
SR-71 Blackbirds. Thanks, Mary Doty
Hello
Dan,
I am happy to be able to purchase this item. I have
a poster of The Libyan Raider, with the picture of 17960 with Brian
Shul & Walter Watson Signature on the poster. I have been to 3 open
cockpit days at Castle Air Museum and have seen this SR-71. Two of those
years I heard Brain Shul speak, very touching. Thank you, Frank W.
Dan, I would
like to buy a piece
of a SR-71 for my father who is a huge fan. I see you have one product
with a certificate of authenticity; do you have others like it? Please
get back to me I am very interested in what you have. Also was curious
on how you obtain this stuff.
After I emailed you
yesterday I saw the piece on your home page. It’s the plaque with a
piece on it and some wood etching. I would like to purchase something
like that. How much would that run me and what is available. Bob Lafvere
Dan, Got my order
today. Thanks
for the extra stickers and the Skunk Works sticker. I have given your
web site to other people. Hope they order also. I am ordering 3 of the
JP-7 displays from Larry DeCew. Thanks again, Thomas G.
Hi Dan, I worked on
the U-2 and SR-71 from 1976 until 1982, an egress tech. I'm interested
in what you have for sale and the prices of the items. You have a great
collection, wish I had the same forethought as you. Of course who knew
that such a great aircraft would be retired, a very sad day for me and
many others. Thank you, Dan Gunter
Received my package today and all I can
say is WOW!!! Thank you so much for the certificate and the laser etched
piece from 972 they are just wonderful, I could not ask for anything
better. Sure makes me feel good to have a piece of history and to know
that we worked on these magnificent aircraft.
Thanks again, Dan
Gunter
Friend, the chopper
came today and I am most impressed. I used it this evening and it does
its job quite well. I credit not only your skill, but also your devotion
to the Blackbird program. I will carry the chopper as a piece of my
gear while in uniform. Again thanks so much for the cross, and this
amazing tool! Blessings & Gratitude from the 101st. Jeff
Here is a B-2 flyover
of the SR-71 Shelters at Beale AFB.
-NASA was using SR-71
s for research purposes-
When a NASA's SR-71 flew over Arizona and New
Mexico Dec. 22 to test components of Motorola's proposed Iridium
low-Earth communications satellite system. The Blackbird flights
departed NASA's Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards Air Force
Base, California, to create operating conditions similar to those the
equipment will face when the system becomes operational in 1998. A
communications channel for a proposed worldwide cellular telephone
satellite system was simulated in the flights, which reached Mach 3 at
altitudes as high as 75.000 feet.
Motorola and Lockheed
were considering a spacecraft to be launched from the SR-71 as a
low-cost method of placing all of the satellites in low-Earth orbit. The
program could represent a long-term commitment for the SR-71 and a
renewal of P&W J58 overhaul activities. The life of each satellite
is five years, and it would take about five years to deploy all 77. The
system would be maintained by continuous replacement of satellites.
This was a letter
written in support to keeping the SR-71 Program funded in 1996, it was
also published in Aviation Week magazine.
As a former pilot,
squadron commander and wing commander of the U.S. Air Force's SR-71, I
am seeking support for continuing this vitally important aerial
reconnaissance program in Fiscal 1997.
Because of the instability in
our world, the SR-71 is needed more than ever. Retired prematurely in
1990, Congress provided funds in Fiscal 1995 to reactivate two SR-71s
because our intelligence-gathering assets were-and still are-overtaxed,
vulnerable and ineffective. Senior commanders in the Persian Gulf War
have testified to that deficiency. Replacement systems such as unmanned
aerial vehicles have seen major developmental setbacks.
The funding
provided this year to upgrade and to fly the SR-71 has hit a roadblock.
Until it ends, the deputy Defense secretary has directed that USAF
suspend operations of the SR-71, which had just been returned to
combat-ready status.
Many in the Pentagon would have you believe the
new program cost $100 million a year, when the number averages less than
$50 million. An operational myth is that the SR-71 requires extensive
tanker support to fly reconnaissance sorties. We sometimes provided
support, but that was when we were tasked to fly halfway around the
world to reach a target.
Although satellites have a tremendous
capability, they also are highly overcommitted, travel a predictable
orbit with limited flexibility and suffer constraints on their sensor
options. The SR-71, however, can be configured on short notice to meet
any special requirement.
In addition, the SR-71 program can support
and evaluate Defense Dept. research and development efforts. It has
provided a reliable airborne platform for testing against enemy threats.
The offensive capabilities of most of our first-line fighters have been
tested against the SR-71.
Congress directed the SR-71 reactivation
in 1994 to fill a known gap in reconnaissance capability until
replacements became operational and reliable. Until that gap is closed,
it is prudent to keep the SR-71 operational.
Col. Richard H. Graham
(USAF, Ret.) Plano, Tex.
Get Col. Grahams new book at - Richard Graham, 3501
Hearst Castle Way , Plano , TX 75025
Senator John Glenn
spoke before Congress on 7 March 1990.
“In view of the
high costs of other Air Force programs, the costs of this program and
its benefits were both affordable and reasonable. The SR-71 provides
coverage on demand with little or no warning to the reconnaissance
target. It is a highly flexible system.
The SR-71 is able to
penetrate hostile territory with comparatively little vulnerability to
attack, unlike other reconnaissance platforms. While opponents of the
SR-71 have argued that national technical means are capable of
performing the same mission, these systems are far less flexible and
survivable than the SR-71.
In retiring the SR-71, the United States
has essentially removed itself from the strategic aerial reconnaissance
business. Intelligence systems such as the SR-71 are the eyes and ears
for our nation's defense and are therefore true force-multipliers. Mr.
President, the termination of the SR-71 was a grave mistake and could
place our nation at a serious disadvantage in the event of a future
crisis:”
A Vulcan
Bomber over DET 4
The
British people loved the SR-71 Blackbird and would stand for hours just
to get an autograph from one of the aircrew members.
"Air Fete 85"
SR-71 BLACKBIRDS
Leland
Haynes
http://www.wvi.com/~sr71webmaster/sr-71~1.htm
Alan
Johnson
http://www.u2sr71patches.co.uk/
Roadrunners
of Area 51
Hear the Area 51 Radio Interview with
TD BARNES and FRANK MURRAY
powered by wsRadio.com
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/
http://area51specialprojects.com/
Blackbird.
How cool would it
be, learn to fly in Americas first jet fighter, Kelly Johnson's Lockheed
"Shooting Star".
Imagine going head to head with MIG-15's over the Yalu River! 50
Cals ablaze as the Mig's explode before your eyes.~~~~~~~~
Gregory "Wired" Colyer
made his dreams come true when he saved a wonderful piece of American
aviation history "THE ACE MAKER" and founding the T-33 Heritage
Foundation.
Check out this link - http://www.acemaker33.com
After 50
years of aviation history -- This is a must read--