Lockheed’s SR-71 ‘Blackbird’ Family: A-12, F-12, M-21, D-21, SR-71

The Lockheed ‘Blackbird’ aircraft family is arguably the most famous in the world. Developed for the USAF as reconnaissance aircraft nearly 40 years ago, SR-71s remained the world’s fastest and highest-flying production aircraft throughout their operational existence. For the first time, the stories of the development program, the General Dynamics “Kingfish” competition, the M-21 and D-21 effort, the F-12 saga, and the operational history of the A-12 and SR-71 under the auspices of the CIA and the Air Force are all covered in detail. pp. 128 illusts #0221