Originally Posted by
tartare
Well there you go.
You learn sumfing everyday.
As late as the late 90's...
The gap between the YF-12 / D-21 - SR-71 and the space shuttle was clearly full of some very interesting ideas - some of which still haven't seen the light of day.
I seem to remember a story from somewhere about a very interesting evolutionary chart, which is quite an eye opener, on the wall of a corridor or room at the Skunk Works.
Reminds me of when the author visits Palmdale for interview and as hes escorted out, and that chart/poster you mention catches his eye. Follows development of all L-M products from day dot, to U-2, SR-71 and F-117 and then there ASTRA on the chart...either between SR-71 and 117 or after.
cheers
Theres 'white noise' played outside some of the offices in Skunk Works...as those who walk past cannot eavesdrop or overhear whats been discussed in one let their right hand not know what thy left does. This was the flightglobal the former USA editor of FG who also ran the DEW Line defence blog/news section until the other year. In 2006/7 (?), he was invited to see the Lockheed ACCA (Advanced Composite Cargo Aircraft) modified from a Dornier 328.
The facilities are big and the L-M had cleared one hangar with only the ACCA in the middle of one hangar albeit 'sanitised' for his vist. However he inadverntly turned his head and the hangar is a tad bigger than expected as he spotted a partioning with a bulbous nose above the partition.