A12 v SR71
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: A better place.
A12 v SR71
Some very interesting material here.
Seems the A12 (due to being lighter) flew faster and higher than the SR71.
In particular altitude table - at end of cruise - 91,700 feet...
Had always thought the black jet was faster/higher than the silver one.
Up there with the Angels... wow.
Seems the A12 (due to being lighter) flew faster and higher than the SR71.
In particular altitude table - at end of cruise - 91,700 feet...
Had always thought the black jet was faster/higher than the silver one.
Up there with the Angels... wow.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 151
From: A better place.
Good point.
YF12 was certainly flying at that time. Only an assumption, but I would have imagined the extra weight of a WSO and associated systems, plus larger radar, missile bay apparatus would have impacted service ceiling.
Also, there was an aerodynamic penalty from the larger YF12 nose section - to accomodate the radar - necessitating the addition of ventral strakes under both engines to control yaw.
Personally, I find it sad to look at those incredible pieces of engineering and photos of Kelly Johnson, Ben Rich and others - and think that the challenge of absolute speed and height in manned aircraft seems to have taken a backseat.
I wonder if we will eventually learn more about Isinglass - and if there were/are any real high speed manned successors (rather than the mythical Aurora).
YF12 was certainly flying at that time. Only an assumption, but I would have imagined the extra weight of a WSO and associated systems, plus larger radar, missile bay apparatus would have impacted service ceiling.
Also, there was an aerodynamic penalty from the larger YF12 nose section - to accomodate the radar - necessitating the addition of ventral strakes under both engines to control yaw.
Personally, I find it sad to look at those incredible pieces of engineering and photos of Kelly Johnson, Ben Rich and others - and think that the challenge of absolute speed and height in manned aircraft seems to have taken a backseat.
I wonder if we will eventually learn more about Isinglass - and if there were/are any real high speed manned successors (rather than the mythical Aurora).
Last edited by tartare; 5th June 2012 at 02:02.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 545
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From: Lancashire
I find it difficult to believe that 50's and 60's technology hasn't been surpassed, even if it's still in the black.
You would think that with the advent of computers, a lot more can be achieved with a lot less.
I would like to hear a pprune self professed expert explain whether the technology of the supposed TR3B is feasible or just another whacko spam alien money making scheme????
You would think that with the advent of computers, a lot more can be achieved with a lot less.
I would like to hear a pprune self professed expert explain whether the technology of the supposed TR3B is feasible or just another whacko spam alien money making scheme????
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 1
From: Exiled in England
I don't care - oxcart,71, habu - call it what you will.
It is Damn Sexy - proper areoporn - I went so far as to download some Alan Parsons project from the strength of a display at fairford IIRC.
I think my favourite tale is from the 86 Gaddaffii walloping when they fired a load of sam's at it and the pilot gave if full bore and it just kept getting faster and faster, I think the theory was more air into ramjet = more thrust = more speed = more air into ramjet.
can you feel the speed?
It is Damn Sexy - proper areoporn - I went so far as to download some Alan Parsons project from the strength of a display at fairford IIRC.
I think my favourite tale is from the 86 Gaddaffii walloping when they fired a load of sam's at it and the pilot gave if full bore and it just kept getting faster and faster, I think the theory was more air into ramjet = more thrust = more speed = more air into ramjet.
can you feel the speed?
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 440
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From: Cape Town
Check this site for a complete declassified history of black aircraft and area 51.. Straight from the horses mouth.
Home Page - Roadrunners Internationale Declassified U-2 A-12 Projects Aquatone OXCART Area 51
Home Page - Roadrunners Internationale Declassified U-2 A-12 Projects Aquatone OXCART Area 51
