Once an F-101 pilot tried to race against an SR-71

[joseephuss]

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/onc...fast-his-voodoo-could-climb-above-80000-feet/

Once an F-101 pilot tried to race against an SR-71. He gave up when the Blackbird’s RSO asked him how fast his Voodoo could climb above 80,000 feet.

Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Mach 3-strategic reconnaissance aircraft remained the world’s fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft. From 80,000 feet, it could survey 100,000 square miles of Earth’s surface per hour.

So it comes as no surprise if, thanks to its astonishing flight characteristics, the aircraft has set numerous speed and altitude records throughout its career.

The following story comes from my Dad’s unpublished book, “The Very First” by Colonel Richard “Butch” Sheffield, SR-71 Blackbird Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO).

 

[Creeper]

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/onc...fast-his-voodoo-could-climb-above-80000-feet/

Once an F-101 pilot tried to race against an SR-71. He gave up when the Blackbird’s RSO asked him how fast his Voodoo could climb above 80,000 feet.

Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Mach 3-strategic reconnaissance aircraft remained the world’s fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft. From 80,000 feet, it could survey 100,000 square miles of Earth’s surface per hour.

So it comes as no surprise if, thanks to its astonishing flight characteristics, the aircraft has set numerous speed and altitude records throughout its career.

The following story comes from my Dad’s unpublished book, “The Very First” by Colonel Richard “Butch” Sheffield, SR-71 Blackbird Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO).

The SR-71 story is truly remarkable. I was a little disappointed when they retired it. But as good as it was as a recon plane, satellite technology had gotten to the point where they could see license plates clearly from space. I can only imagine how much more advanced they are now. I just wonder if there is a conflict, how long will it take China or Russia to down all of our satellites? We know China has been testing missiles to do the job.

Your dad must have some amazing stories to tell.

 

[joseephuss]

The SR-71 story is truly remarkable. I was a little disappointed when they retired it. But as good as it was as a recon plane, satellite technology had gotten to the point where they could see license plates clearly from space. I can only imagine how much more advanced they are now. I just wonder if there is a conflict, how long will it take China or Russia to down all of our satellites? We know China has been testing missiles to do the job.

Your dad must have some amazing stories to tell.

Not my dad. That was from the article I linked. Just in case there was some confusion.

I've read in the past that retiring the SR-71 has left a gap in surveillance. I have no idea if that is true or not. Seems logical based on it's capabilities, but there are other technologies that have arrived since it's retirement. You mentioned satellites. Drone technology has also come aboard and evolved quickly. Amazingly the U-2 is still in use. I imagine there is a plane or drone out there in use whose performance capabilities haven't been released to the general public.

 

[Creeper]

Not my dad. That was from the article I linked. Just in case there was some confusion.

I've read in the past that retiring the SR-71 has left a gap in surveillance. I have no idea if that is true or not. Seems logical based on it's capabilities, but there are other technologies that have arrived since it's retirement. You mentioned satellites. Drone technology has also come aboard and evolved quickly. Amazingly the U-2 is still in use. I imagine there is a plane or drone out there in use whose performance capabilities haven't been released to the general public.

Absolutely! The SR-71 was developed and put into production without anyone really knowing it existed and it was way ahead of its time. Hopefully, the US brain trust has tried to keep up that level of tech advantage.

 

[nobody]

Absolutely! The SR-71 was developed and put into production without anyone really knowing it existed and it was way ahead of its time. Hopefully, the US brain trust has tried to keep up that level of tech advantage.

They've admitted to test flying the sixth generation fighter but NOBODY knows what it looks like. Once they're to the point of admitting that, it's probably operational and in the air.

 

[cowboyec]

maverick could do it.

 

[terra]

A reengined F-104 might take it in the 1/4 mile....

Yeager got a special model of the F-104 up to 90,000 feet.