The SR-71 Blackbird is an iconic aircraft that has come to symbolize America's technological superiority during the Cold War. Using recently declassified information, globally renowned expert Paul Crickmore updates his definitive account of the aircraft.
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird ranks as one of the most elegant, sleek and powerful aeroplanes ever designed. But it was not built to be admired – it was built not to be seen at all. The high-altitude aerial reconnaissance sorties it was to perform were top secret and carefully concealed from public knowledge. However, as the aircraft have become museum pieces and details of their work declassified, the whole story of their design and operation can finally be told.
This updated edition of Paul Crickmore’s classic Lockheed Blackbird: Beyond the Secret Missions is based on 850 pages of documentation and images declassified by the CIA covering the A-12 Oxcart programme. These highly significant documents range from discussions at the highest levels of the US government concerning the rationale for Oxcart’s development and eventual deployment, to extremely detailed intelligence data gleaned from each of the 29 operational missions flown by Oxcart during Operation Black Shield.
The Blackbird family of aircraft continue to fascinate a wide age group and, since the aircraft will never fly again, its history has become timeless. This new edition will provide the last word on the SR-71 Blackbird and its operational history.
By:
Paul F. Crickmore
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 3rd edition
Dimensions:
Height: 312mm,
Width: 240mm,
Spine: 25mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781472851383
ISBN 10: 1472851382
Pages: 528
Publication Date: 27 February 2024
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Chapter 1 The Requirement Chapter 2 Rainbow and Gusto Chapter 3 Oxcart Chapter 4 Area 51 Chapter 5 Progress and Politics Chapter 6 Black Shield Chapter 7 Tagboard and Senior Bowl Chapter 8 Kedlock Chapter 9 Technical Chapter 10 From RS to SR and Beyond Chapter 11 AFLC, Maintenance, Mishaps and Recoveries Chapter 12 Beale Operations Chapter 13 OL-8 Operations During the Vietnam War Chapter 14 Det 1 Operations Post the Vietnam War Chapter 15 Det 4 The Early Years Chapter 16 Det 4 at Pace Chapter 17 The Barents Chapter 18 NASA Chapter 19 Shutdown Chapter 20 Legacy Appendix 1 Black Shield Missions Appendix 2 Black Shield Elint Log Appendix 3 Def Locations Appendix 4 Det 1 Deployments Appendix 5 Det 4 Deployments Appendix 6 Blackbird Disposition Appendix 7 SR-71 Commanders and Awards Appendix 8 Air Force Logistics Command SR-71 Flight Crew History Appendix 9 Chronology Appendix 10 Losses Appendix 11 Records Acronyms and Abbreviations Bibliography Index
Paul F. Crickmore is the author of the much-acclaimed Lockheed Blackbird: Beyond the Secret Missions. He was commissioned to write his first book for Osprey 35 years ago and that since then he has written 20 books, including 12 for Osprey. He is also an honorary member of several A-12 and SR-71 veterans’ associations.
Reviews for Lockheed Blackbird: Beyond the Secret Missions – The Missing Chapters
Outstanding work. * Aeroplane *
