Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird: The Illustrated History of America's Legendary Mach 3 Spy Plane

The book "SR-71 Blackbird: The Complete Story" is the most comprehensive book ever published on the SR-71 Blackbird, covering its design, testing, production, and operations. It was designed by Lockheed's "Skunk Works" and was the world's only operational Mach 3 aircraft. The book includes over 700 color and black-and-white images and is authored by Jim Goodall, who has written extensively on military aircraft and stealth technology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2018
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The SR-71 Blackbird, a legendary spy plane, holds the distinction of being the world's only operational Mach 3 aircraft. Developed by Lockheed's renowned "Skunk Works," this remarkable aircraft went through a comprehensive design, construction, and testing process. This new book encompasses the entire fifty-plane production, from the initial flight in 1962 to the final flight in 1999. In its place as a successor to the venerable U-2 spy plane, Lockheed achieved an astonishing feat by completing the contract signing to the first flight in just thirty-two months, commencing in April 1958. This remarkable journey spanned from the initial design studies to the CIA's contract signing for the initial batch of A-12s in February 1960, culminating in the first flight in 1962.

The book delves into the intricate details of the A-1 design, encompassing the development of the initial Radar Cross Section models. It also provides a comprehensive account of the rigorous testing of every major system and subsystem. Over 700 color and black-and-white images, sourced from various sources, accompany the text, complemented by the author's exceptional new photography.

Author Jim Goodall, a renowned expert in military aircraft, naval ships, and submarines, has authored numerous books and articles focused on Low Observables, also known as stealth technology. His in-depth knowledge and passion for this field make this book an invaluable resource for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Weight: 1592g
Dimension: 236 x 307 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764355042