Lockheed Blackbird: Beyond the Secret Missions - The Missing Chapters

by Paul F. Crickmore

Overview

The SR-71 Blackbird is an iconic aircraft that has come to symbolize America's technological superiority during the Cold War. Using recently declassified information, globally renowned expert Paul Crickmore updates his definitive account of the aircraft.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird ranks as one of the most elegant, sleek and powerful aeroplanes ever designed. But it was not built to be admired – it was built not to be seen at all. The high-altitude aerial reconnaissance sorties it was to perform were top secret and carefully concealed from public knowledge. However, as the aircraft have become museum pieces and details of their work declassified, the whole story of their design and operation can finally be told.

This updated edition of Paul Crickmore's classic Lockheed Blackbird: Beyond the Secret Missions is based on 850 pages of documentation and images declassified by the CIA covering the A-12 Oxcart programme. These highly significant documents range from discussions at the highest levels of the US government concerning the rationale for Oxcart's development and eventual deployment, to extremely detailed intelligence data gleaned from each of the 29 operational missions flown by Oxcart during Operation Black Shield.

The Blackbird family of aircraft continue to fascinate a wide age group and, since the aircraft will never fly again, its history has become timeless. This new edition will provide the last word on the SR-71 Blackbird and its operational history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472851383
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	12/05/2023
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	528
Sales rank:	307,745
Product dimensions:	9.80(w) x 12.30(h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

Paul F. Crickmore is the author of the much-acclaimed Lockheed Blackbird: Beyond the Secret Missions. He was commissioned to write his first book for Osprey 35 years ago and that since then he has written 20 books, including 12 for Osprey. He is also an honorary member of several A-12 and SR-71 veterans' associations.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The Requirement

Chapter 2 Rainbow and Gusto

Chapter 3 Oxcart

Chapter 4 Area 51

Chapter 5 Progress and Politics

Chapter 6 Black Shield

Chapter 7 Tagboard and Senior Bowl

Chapter 8 Kedlock

Chapter 9 Technical

Chapter 10 From RS to SR and Beyond

Chapter 11 AFLC, Maintenance, Mishaps and Recoveries

Chapter 12 Beale Operations

Chapter 13 OL-8 Operations During the Vietnam War

Chapter 14 Det 1 Operations Post the Vietnam War

Chapter 15 Det 4 The Early Years

Chapter 16 Det 4 at Pace

Chapter 17 The Barents

Chapter 18 NASA

Chapter 19 Shutdown

Chapter 20 Legacy

Appendix 1 Black Shield Missions

Appendix 2 Black Shield Elint Log

Appendix 3 Def Locations

Appendix 4 Det 1 Deployments

Appendix 5 Det 4 Deployments

Appendix 6 Blackbird Disposition

Appendix 7 SR-71 Commanders and Awards

Appendix 8 Air Force Logistics Command SR-71 Flight Crew History

Appendix 9 Chronology

Appendix 10 Losses

Appendix 11 Records

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

Outstanding work.” —Aeroplane

“Powerful! Informative! Rich in technical detail and illustrations! Crickmore's latest book is perhaps the finest and most comprehensive book on the Blackbird ever written.” —Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation

“Crickmore's book, this new and expanded edition of Lockheed Blackbird, is indeed the final word and ultimate reference guide for the history of the entire SR-71 program…. Crickmore's book is a must-have for every aviation enthusiast and a must-read for every aviation and Cold War scholar who seeks to understand this legendary aircraft's history, operations, and legacy.” —Balloons and Drones

“As if the vast amount of information wasn't enough, the coffee-table book is beautifully illustrated with hundreds of color photos and maps, making it a visual delight. If you love aircraft, you will want a copy of this in your library.” —On the Bookshelf

From the Publisher