Doesn’t the aircraft distort at these speeds because of the friction?
The SR 71 increased about a foot in length at top speed, which created many problems.
That’s only a part of the “whole rocket” problem: Yes, the spacecraft fuselage and coverings expand with heat. Changes CG, dynamic air pressure location (delta wings had that problem as speed increased too), control surfaces, linkages, sensors .... The expansion caused never-solved fuel leaks in the SR71. At best, the fuel leaks were “tolerated” because the fuel was so hard to burn they did not consider it a threat of explosions on the ground.
The SR72 variable length inlet spikes were a long-running problem too. Here, apparently they are testing only a the inlet cooler subsystem.
Yea, and it’s fuel tanks leaked like a sieve on the ground until it got airborne and up to speed. And it needed special JP fuel with a really high ignition temp.
The SR 71 increased about a foot in length at top speed, which created many problems.
That’s why it was skinned in titanium, too. At rest, on the runway, there were gaps in the skin. Some big enough you can put your fingers through.
“Sled Driver” from Brian Shul is an awesome look at what it takes to drive an SR-71.
I found it in PDF format, online, 2 years or so ago. Let me know if you want a link.