![]() Several minutes into cruise, the right engine inlet’s automatic control system malfunctioned, requiring a switch to manual control. After refueling from a KC-135 tanker, we turned eastbound, accelerated to a Mach 3.2-cruise speed and climbed to 78,000 ft., our initial cruise-climb altitude. and completed the mission’s first leg without incident. The latter involved flying with the center-of-gravity (CG) located further aft than normal, which reduced the Blackbird’s longitudinal stability. We also were investigating procedures designed to reduce trim drag and improve high-Mach cruise performance. Jim Zwayer, a Lockheed flight test reconnaissance and navigation systems specialist, and I were evaluating those systems on an SR-71 Blackbird test from Edwards AFB, Calif. And yet, I don’t recall too many periods of boredom during my 30-year career with Lockheed, most of which was spent as a test pilot.īy far, the most memorable flight occurred on Jan. ![]() On January 25, 1966, test pilot Bill Weaver and Lockheed flight test reconnaissance and navigation systems specialist Jim Zwayer experienced their plane vanishing around them while executing a turn… at more than 2,400 miles per hour.Īmong professional aviators, there’s a well-worn saying: Flying is simply hours of boredom punctuated by moments of stark terror. WERE VERY GOOD.” – Bill Weaverĭuring the early days of testing for the legendary SR-71 Blackbird there were some harrowing mishaps, the details of which have rarely come to light. “I DIDN’T THINK THE CHANCES OF SURVIVING AN EJECTION AT MACH 3.18 AND 78,800 FT.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |