A-12 Oxcart and SR-71 Blackbird
In our overview about the top 10 fastest planes in the world – we took these two amazing planes together and went for the more popular of them – the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. It basically is a household name and you’d have to look for a while to find an American male who isn’t aware of that amazing piece of aviation history – it reflects the glory years of US dominance in the skies during the Cold War.
Since publishing this article, we have heard a lot that we forget the A-12. We, therefore, decided to write an own blog post about the A-12 and the SR-71. Responsible for these amazing aircraft was Lockheed designer Clarence Leonard “Kelly” Johnson. He was the first team leader at famous Lockheed Skunk Works.
First of all – let’s start with a comparison:
A-12 vs SR-71
Lockheed A-12 Oxcart operated by CIA
One of the main differences is that the Lockheed A-12 Oxcart was a reconnaissance aircraft actually operated by the CIA. It was only active from 1967 to 1968 – first flight was in 1962. The program was kept secret until the 90ies.
The A-12 was developed into different aircraft – best known of course was the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. As opposed to the A-12 Oxcart, the SR-71 Blackbird was operated by the US Air Force, not by the CIA.
The SR-71 Blackbird variants in an overview
A-12 and SR-71 variants
Interceptor YF-12
The A-12 was not only developed into the SR-71 but also into the Interceptor YF-12. It was built in 3 units. The YV-12 was the largest manned interceptor ever built and held a couple of speed and altitude records. Top speed was Mach 3.35 (2,275mph or 3661km/h).
The comparison is wrong. the YF-12A was armed with 3 air to air missiles. it was going to be developed as the fastest (and largest) interceptor.
Sign of the times. Comments have zero to do with article. All about social warriors and push back. Pathetic
Just curious why do you think only American males are interested in these amazing aircraft? That’s a really shitty comment. Signed, 30-year Lockheed Martin employee who’s a GIRL.
Calm your nerves, Butch. It’s just an expression. Gonna fry your purple hair if ya keep on like this.
Im sorry but most women are not interested in jets, if you disagree you are just wrong or know very few women. I wish it was not the case trust me but it is. So far i have met a total of 3 girls that have añy interest in actually discussing aviation with me.
@Liam Murtugh: Isn’t that 100% if you only know 3 girls ? Then this is quite a lot of girls that are interested in aviation, huh?
Maybe it’s YOU they’re not interested in talking about it
It was not said that only American males are interested and it was not denied that American females are interesred. You should read that part again. I could be just as offended because I come from central Europe. But I’m not. Why are you?
You’re quite correct. Here’s the exact quote from the article: “It basically is a household name and you’d have to look for a while to find an American male who isn’t aware of that amazing piece of aviation history”. So, the article was only referring to finding an American male who had never heard of this a/c. It didn’t say anything about being interested in it. I’ve met one or two women who know of the SR-71. That doesn’t mean they’re interested in the a/c, it merely means they know of it.
Very intelligent ones designed built tested and flew the SR-71.
It just happened that those one had balls.
Seems like these days if it’s not about Race it’s about Gender people wear their feeling on their sleeves a little to much these days
Great statement
It’s the same mentality that thinks all truckers are fat cigar smoking slobs, only men drive cars fast and only men shoot guns. My 72 year old mother as well as my 65 year old wife does all three. It’s 2020 dude and your sex doesn’t determine what you like. Only American males, …reallly?
@Walt – OH STFU YOU SOYFACED MALE FEMINIST. It was just an generalized expression & an accurate one at that. Go do a survey yourself you lowT lib- monkey! Quit acting like “I know a girl that knows a lot about planes” is the rule & not the exception! Its deceiving, & whiney bitches like you are ruining western civilization. Now go buy tampons for your fatass slob wife !
I hope you are not a pilot.
A mindset such as yours is not to be trusted in an emergency situation.
Please do yourself a favor–and all those who are in your life–and seek out a qualified therapist to help you work through the mental distress with which you struggle.
Yes, I’m certain you will blame it on others for the first few years of therapy, but eventually you’ll become less ignorant of what you claim to be in control of; what, in fact, controls you.
Good luck!.
fuck off you stupid karen
Your mother and wife are only 7 years apart ?
Dear Karen, this is exactly what’s wrong with man/woman/transgenderkind today. Everything men do is chauvinistic even if it’s not. A pat on the female shoulder is sexual assault. I’m waiting for the day that women want urinals to be removed in men’s toilets bc it’s discriminating…
Exactly this Me Too movement and the LGBTQ (you know the alphabet people) shoving their crap down everyone’s throat has made Americans for the worst part a bunch of panty waste PANSIES I’m so sick of women wanting to be men and men wanting to be women
It wasn’t meant to be a sexist comment, it was just meant that men are more likely to have heard of the famous airplane that flies faster than the speed of sound used for intelligence!
wait, your mom and wife are only 7 yrs apart? creepy
@James e Lindsey – OH STFU YOU SOYFACED MALE FEMINIST. It was just an generalized expression & an accurate one at that. Go do a survey yourself you lowT lib- monkey! Quit acting like “I know a girl that knows a lot about planes” is the rule & not the exception! Its deceiving, & whiney bitches like you are ruining western civilization. Now go buy tampons for your fatass slob wife !
Jason, u mad bro?
This is the best comment thread I have ever lmao. Actual ape energy
why is everyone so mad i just am an 11 year old boy wh just wants to learn more about planes -_-
karl max western civilization !!!!!!!!!!!!!! joe biden ruined my gas stations procies :((((((
You are all quite insane, you all seem to live for outrage. Relax
I just discovered this article now and find it exceedingly fascinating. I never knew that a plane could fly this high or this fast. Amazing! This plane, like many others, can do vertical takeoff, which is just so cool. Also, because of its great speed, the friction on the skin of the aircraft would cause it to heat up to as much as 650 Celsius/1200 Farenheit in places (close to the engines especially). FYI, I’m a girl and I don’t have a problem saying that men are more likely, but not exclusively, able to appreciate aviation talk. I can also recognize that men are responsible (not exclusively, of course) for some of the greatest mechanical creations in the world. Thanks to all the men and women that go above and beyond like this! Thank you Kelly Johnson, in particular.
SR-71, F-14, F-35
Can’t we all just come together as humans, and learn about the COOLEST aircraft ever built?? Who cares about gender, race, who you are, it’s ok! Literally anyone can be interested. I’m a 16 year old girl who just got her book about the SR71 and I love reading more about the A-12, AF-12, YF-12, etc.
I think it’s awesome we’re all interested in this aircraft, cause seriously it’s so damn cool and the fact it was built in the 1960s is so incredible and just SO AMAZING I love it.