9 OCT-This Day in US Military History

2015-10-09T13:27:33-04:00

1999 – The last flight of the SR-71.

The Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by Lockheed and its Skunk Works division.
Clarence “Kelly” Johnson was responsible for many of the design’s innovative concepts. During reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile. The SR-71 served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998.
A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents, but none lost to enemy action. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu. Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the YF-12. All Blackbirds have been moved to museums except for the two SR-71s and a few D-21 drones retained by the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

https://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/october-9/

October 9

9 October 1635 – Founder of Rhode Island Roger Williams is banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony as a religious dissident after he speaks out against punishments for religious offenses and giv...

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-10-09T13:28:52-04:00

One of the most awesome machines ever built.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 9 at 2015 1:31 PM

2015-10-09T13:31:44-04:00

I have to admit this is pure plane porn. Made many models of this thing as a kid.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Oct 9 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-10-09T13:36:10-04:00

sad day
along with another sad day --- last flight of the Hustlers

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 9 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-10-09T14:03:56-04:00

Don't forget to see Bridge of Spies (2015). Looks like Tom Hanks hits another homer with this one.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=tom+hanks+gary+powers+movie&FORM=VIRE15#view=detail&mid=E99782744C0956F45BF0E99782744C0956F45BF0

tom hanks gary powers movie - Bing video

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-10-09T14:07:39-04:00

the joke about it though, and for some reason my phone isn't letting me share the link or copy and paste the joke, just Google blackbird communications to tower and you should find it

Response by SGT William Howell made Oct 9 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-10-09T14:08:22-04:00

They have one at the Air Force Museum in Dayton OH. I was really surprised that is is not nearly as big as it looks in photos. It looks fast just sitting on the ground and man is it sexy!

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-10-09T14:42:26-04:00

I have a friend who was an engineer on the project that brought that piece of art to life.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Oct 9 at 2015 4:38 PM

2015-10-09T16:38:44-04:00

MSG Private RallyPoint Member my favorite all time aircraft in the world!