SR-71 BLACKBIRD TITANIUM

The SR-71 Blackbird Collectibles

 

The engineering aspects of this part are far beyond simple function, and trying to describe it is an almost insurmountable difficulty.
Engineering is an applied science, and communication of physical facts must be complete and accurate. Quantitative relationships expressed mathematically and in the written word cannot complete the description of this item. Nor can photographs or other methods of visual reproduction provide proper expression of this engineering marvel.
Only a person with a heart for engineering and artistic knowledge grasp the depth of this object. The fundamentals of its design are vast. To plan, conceive, and invent this part must have taken thousands of man hours under the most strict security conditions. Without the ability to speak freely must have hindered the process and created frustrating atmosphere.
One must examine and hold this part, feel its delicate weight, Only 15 ounces. Consider that it held back the exhaust pressure of the most powerful jet engines of its time. Consider that at 3,200 degrees this part was glowing red hot. Consider the enormous resonations that would destroy common materials to pieces. Consider its simplicity of design, it does not have to be bolted in position but merely floats while performing multiple functions. Consider that the major design tool was a slide rule.
In 1958, time was running fast on the development of an aircraft that was needed to keep the free world informed on the military advances of nations whose goals were to control mankind with medieval ideologies. Our only hope was a secret group of engineers and scientist, led by the aircraft design genius Clarence L. Johnson. This group became known as Skunk Works.
The parts shown here are a prime examples if not the best example of the mountainous barriers that had to be climbed in the quest for the existence of the SR-71 BLACKBIRD. Nearly every aspect of this part had to be invented as it was being developed. The materials, the processes in manufacturing the materials, even the processes for the processes. A great majority of these precious materials had to be scrapped. The administration and management techniques had to be developed. The super rare emissive paint had to be invented. The high temperature dry lubricant had to be invented. Even the fuel had to be invented; these parts exhibit the original soot from that fuel. The processes for machining and forming the metals had to be invented. The tools and dies for machining and forming the metals had to be invented. The welding processes had to be invented including the development of Inert Gas chambers in which all oxidizing gases were purged from the titanium allowing for welds that were strong enough to withstand the tremendous forces of MACH 3+ flight.
Why is this part the best example?
No other titanium part on this airframe has to endure as much punishment while maintaining its integrity. Its titanium sheet is only .022” thick when new. This sheet will wear thru in places. If this part fails, it would be like a broken link in a chain and the Ejector Nozzle will immediately cease to function and may come apart in flight. I have never personally heard of this happening, but I would not want to be in that aircraft flying at 2200 miles per hour.
To reproduce this one part today from scratch would cost in the tens of thousands of dollars. The only existing parts like these are on display in the best aviation museums in the world. Yet on each display only a portion of this part is visible and most if not all have been covered with common black paint. Aeronautical masterpieces’ hidden from view. Also hidden are the aspects of its design, its material, the formed titanium parts, the tooling marks, the part numbers, the inspectors stamps, the critical and most difficult assembly features such as the spot welds and hand applied TIG welds, also Identifying ADP stamps. Dates and original wear marks showing the primary position of the ejector flaps during the Blackbirds nominal cruise speed.
No design is perfect, yet knowing its history and background, this item is as close as any perfect engineering design can be. If there ever was an investment in engineering art, this is it, this is more than art. It’s a historical record of a free nation that succeeded over battles against world dominance.
If you purchase one of these parts in its original condition as it was removed from the airframe, you will have a discovery at hand, Covering the part is exhaust soot, You may find a chalked on tail number, then there is high temperature dry lubricant, and the famous emissive black paint, if you are careful you will find markings and numbers, you may also find various inspection stamps and other surprises.