SR-71 Blackbird: Stories, Tales, and Legends

Donn Byrnes' discussion of Cat II testing at Edwards AFB brought back memories. I do recall that conversation with Maj. Hurley ( in Spring 1965 ) to "find the cause of the cooling air problem, or move my bed into the hangar until it was found and fixed, he wanted a solution not a shooting". I am impressed that my contribution to the success of the Blackbird has been remembered and praised after so many years. God Bless Ken Hurley and Donn Byrnes.May God Bless all the crews who have had the opportunity to fly and maintain the Blackbird over some 20+ years.Thank you Rich for writing the book.Frank Doyle, the lowest ranking officer in the SR-71 / YF-12 Test Force @ EAFB. ( Feb. 65 - Aug. 67 )

Really fascinating book. Well written with all personal stories. I spent 3 and 1/2 years (Dec 1981 to Apr 1985) living on Kaden AFB on Okinawa. I have many fond memories of watching the Habus taking off and landing. The night time missions are the best. Just to hear the bird take off was unique as no other plane made the same sound. The lavender flames and diamonds brought every hair on my arms to stand straight up. They always flew the same track in the evening sky. It really made me quite proud to think that Kelly Johnson and crew designed and built the planes and the men who flew and maintained them.

Many fun stories about the crews & missions. This AC can’t be beaten for when & what it was designed to do!

Many stories from different aspects of the SR-71 program: pilots, commanders, administrators, SROs, even crew chiefs. Each chapter also has full explanations of the technical terms that are used and of the jargon that was used by the participants. The book also contains a detailed description of why the SR-71 Program was discontinued. Highly recommended!

An interesting aircraft and interesting folks who flew her. I have a picture on my wall of one such SR-71 making a fly by at Travis AFB, CA years ago during an air show event. I can't read the tail number, but what a great picture!The acceptance standards and training of Habus to be was most specific and obviously necessary! Almost incomprehensible!. That's a hand full of jet aircraft! Truly Amazing! The pilots, RSO's, mechanics, and builders have done their duty well. Thank you and thank you taxpayers.Sunk Works has built many aircraft that Americans can be thankful were for "our" side. Like all useful tools, joyrides, they do end, with the exception of the B-52 (tongue in cheek).As years advance and new technologies arrive (satellites) and honed UAV's, one must also be prudent to relent and be most thankful for what they were once paid to do. Not many can stake that claim.

Very interesting book, with intimate details about this legendary aircraft. I'm retired Air Force Intel and this bird was the highlight of airbreathing assets of the USAF. Highly recommend this book for anybody with an interest in military flight

Wonderful reading. Was always awe struck with this majestic lady of the sky. Reading about the aircrews just make her more enjoyable

A great addition to any Air Fan's Bookshelf.

This has to be the most awesome and exciting achievement of the Cold War period in aviation. This book together with the accompanying volumes written by Rich Graham is a compelling read.Listening to Rich Graham delivering his illustrated lectures at IWM Duxford only improves this amazing story.A rare privilege indeed.

full of interesting stories about the SR71 family ,both aircrew and ground crew and quite detailed explanations of SR71 operations. Good read if your interested in the SR71

As an retired A/P Maintenance Controller, I do like the chapter from the technical people which is amazing how they manage to keep the SR-71 flying. Also the incredible stories from the pilots and navigators. This must be read by every aviation enthiosiast.

5 stars

Awesome read.