SR-71 BLACKBIRD TITANIUM

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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.
 
Have a great day, and once again, all my thanks,
 
Paul McLaren
http://www.positron911.com/

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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

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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

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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..

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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)

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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

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1984 Skunk Works Advertisment

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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

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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.

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Crossed Swords / Persian Gulf

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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                                                                            
                                                                                                                         

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25 MISSIONS

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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

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.