
SR-71 Blackbird: Stories, Tales, and Legends
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781577158851
Publication Date: 08/12/2025
Meet the brave and determined people who gave their hearts, minds, and, in some cases, their lives to put Lockheed’s incredibly fast SR71 Blackbird in the sky.
In SR71 Blackbird: Stories, Tales, and Legends, former SR71 pilot, instructor, and wing commander Colonel Richard Graham presents the most intriguing SR71 stories ever told. This once highly classified program is fully revealed through the words of pilots, commanders, mechanics, and instructors involved in the Blackbird’s creation and flight testing. From grueling reconnaissance missions to the Persian Gulf conflict, this insightful book is brimming with stories of courage and perseverance.
Including detailed commentary by Colonel Graham, drawn from 15 years of assignments within the SR71 community, and with a foreword by the late deputy director of the National Air and Space Museum Don Lopez, this fascinating book answers all the questions you might have about this legendary airplane.
Running chronologically, from the first A12 flights to the recordbreaking transcontinental delivery flight of the SR71 now in the National Air and Space Museum collection, each chapter begins with a brief biographical sketch of the featured Blackbird program participant, followed by their firsthand accounts. Explore:
Feel the Mach 3 power of this awesome aircraft and gain an appreciation of just how unique the Blackbird program really was.
In SR71 Blackbird: Stories, Tales, and Legends, former SR71 pilot, instructor, and wing commander Colonel Richard Graham presents the most intriguing SR71 stories ever told. This once highly classified program is fully revealed through the words of pilots, commanders, mechanics, and instructors involved in the Blackbird’s creation and flight testing. From grueling reconnaissance missions to the Persian Gulf conflict, this insightful book is brimming with stories of courage and perseverance.
Including detailed commentary by Colonel Graham, drawn from 15 years of assignments within the SR71 community, and with a foreword by the late deputy director of the National Air and Space Museum Don Lopez, this fascinating book answers all the questions you might have about this legendary airplane.
Running chronologically, from the first A12 flights to the recordbreaking transcontinental delivery flight of the SR71 now in the National Air and Space Museum collection, each chapter begins with a brief biographical sketch of the featured Blackbird program participant, followed by their firsthand accounts. Explore:
- Personal stories, legends, traditions, and behindthescenes activities of the Blackbird program
- Sidebars amplifying and expanding on aspects of the stories
- The meanings of Blackbirdrelated terms such as Habu, unstart, Bat Caver, and hook
- Blackandwhite photos of the participants at work and play
- SR71 key events timeline
Feel the Mach 3 power of this awesome aircraft and gain an appreciation of just how unique the Blackbird program really was.
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SR-71 Blackbird: Stories, Tales, and Legends
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