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History of the Blackbird

By Youbi1
  • First J58 Engine Developed

    First J58 Engine Developed

    The J58 was initially developed for the US Navy to power the planned version of the Martin P6M jet flying boat.Upon cancellation of this aircraft, it was selected by Convair and Lockheed for their supersonic projects. The engine was given to the Air Force who used it in the construction of the Blackbird
  • Period: to

    Pre-Flight Age

    The construction and enginnerring of the Blackbird before flight in 1964.
  • Blackbird Finishes Pre-Flight Testing

    Blackbird Finishes Pre-Flight Testing

    On July 30th 1962, the Blackbird finishes pre-flight testing with the J58 engine.
  • First Blackbird Finishes Construction

    First Blackbird Finishes Construction

    First Blackbird delivered to Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, CA.
  • First Flight of the Blackbird

    First Flight of the Blackbird

    First flight of the SR-71 with Lockheed test pilot Bob Gilliland at Air Force Plant #42.
  • Period: to

    Mid-Flight Era

    The time when Blackbirds were flown more and better.
  • Blackbirds Blueprints Destroyed

    Blackbirds Blueprints Destroyed

    Lockheed company is ordered to destroy blueprints of the Blackbird in order to keep it completly under-cover.
  • First "BigTail" Blackbird Flight

    First "BigTail" Blackbird Flight

    First flight of Blackbird in "Big Tail" configuration.

  • The Blacbird Sets Records

    The Blackbird sets speed and altitude records (Altitude in Horizontal Flight: 85,068.997 ft (25,929.030 m) and Speed Over a Straight Course: 2,193.167 miles per hour (3,529.560 km/h).
  • Blackbird flies 1000th

    Blackbird flies 1000th

    The Blackbird flies it's 1000h sortie.
  • Period: to

    End-Flight Era

    The time when Blackbirds peaked in usage then nearly ended.
  • Blackbird Explodes

    Blackbird Explodes

    Blackbird #16 explodes due to engine failure. This is the last crash and was the first in 17 years.

  • Blackbird Program Terminated

    The Blackbird is officialy terminated after the April crash and is no longer used.
  • Last Blackbird Flight

    Last Blackbird Flight

    The last Blackbird flight is conducted cerimoniously by SENIOR CROWN
  • Three Blackbirds Reactivated

    Three Blackbirds Reactivated

    The Congress give $100 million for the reactiviation of three Blackbirds.
  • Officialy Cancelled

    Officialy Cancelled

    The three remaining Blackbirds are cancelled for good.