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.
