I'm often amazed by the engineering associated with these types of projects.
SR-71
I can just imagine the conservation when LM first introduced this aircraft to the Top Brass.
Generals, "What's that under the plane?"
LM, "That's fuel sir"
Generals, "Shouldn't your ground crew be more careful?"
LM, "Sir?"
Generals, "That's an obvious hazard", "You need to be more careful when fueling".
LM, "Sir, I assure you that our crews are extremely proficient"
Generals, "Then why is there fuel puddling under this aircraft?"
LM, "It's leaking from the fuel tanks, sir"
Generals, "I expect this is something that you are going to fix?", "I thought you were ready?"
LM, "Yes sir, we are ready", "The fuel leaks by design"
LM, "Yes sir, we are ready", "The fuel leaks by design" That's crazy. I remember remember reading reason for it, but I've forgotten now.
Anyway, after getting a degree in mechanical engineering, I have a much greater appreciation for the engineering --much more than as a child--, but I still have no idea how 99% of it was done. Vortex baffles?
We have an
A-12 Blackbird on display at
Battleship Memorial Park here in Mobile...it's visible from I-10 if you're ever cruising this way.
"Citizens of the state of Alabama had formed the "USS Alabama Battleship Commission" to raise funds for the preservation of battleship USS Alabama as a memorial to the men and women who served in World War II. Alabama’s school children raised approximately $100,000 in nickels and dimes from lunch money and allowances to help the cause.[4]"
Being in the USAF and working on the flight line a lot, installing communications my first encounter with the SR was in 1973. It went right by me on the runway I prob could have touched it! That was a great time as we wound up drinking with the pilots. and when that baby took off the next it was like nothing ever seen before! 5 secs and it was a speck in the sky!