FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
2193.2 mph. SR-71 top speed. That always seemed to be the "party line" when the Black Bird set that speed record in 1976, but it was a known fact that the aircraft could fly a lot faster. If you do the math, 2193.2 mph equates to mach 2.88. It was well reported that the aircraft could push beyond mach 3 but it seems there's been little "official documents" indicating this.
A few weeks ago I caught a You Tube clip talking about the SR-71 and how the ram jet and intake chine worked. Then I noticed something that caught my eye. As the system was explained I recognized a USAF TO shown on the clip. For those of us who worked with TOs, they could be pretty accurate describing system functions. The first thing I noticed was the classified caveat at the top of the page was crossed out. As I paused the clip more revealing information came to light. Well I'll just post some photos...
The lower photo shows engine airflow and blow out doors operating at Mach 3.2 which on my calculator equals 2435.86. I did read that the flight manual says Mach 3.3 (would love to see one).
Has anyone else ever seen anything like this?
A few weeks ago I caught a You Tube clip talking about the SR-71 and how the ram jet and intake chine worked. Then I noticed something that caught my eye. As the system was explained I recognized a USAF TO shown on the clip. For those of us who worked with TOs, they could be pretty accurate describing system functions. The first thing I noticed was the classified caveat at the top of the page was crossed out. As I paused the clip more revealing information came to light. Well I'll just post some photos...
The lower photo shows engine airflow and blow out doors operating at Mach 3.2 which on my calculator equals 2435.86. I did read that the flight manual says Mach 3.3 (would love to see one).
Has anyone else ever seen anything like this?