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Here is the info on the plaques at the Blackbird Airpark as read from
Paul Stahl's photos he sent me. Thanks again to Paul for sending them
to me. Please note that there are a few typos/spelling errors in this
information. I included them in the spirit of accurate reporting!?
LOCKHEED
A-12
The A-12 was the proof-of-concept vehicle for the SR-71/YF-12 family
of "Blackbirds." It was the 12th in a series of designs for a U-2
replacement from Kelly Johnson's "Skunk Works," hence the designation
"A-12." Although its operational service is shrouded in mystery, it
is believed the single-seat A-12 was used exclusively in covert
operations by the CIA from 1967 to 1968.
**************
Of the fifteen A-12's produced, this is the prototype aircraft,
#60-6924....the first one built and flown. Although momentarily
lifting off during a high-speed taxi check on Apr 24, 1962, it's
first real flight was two days later, from the Air Force's classi-
fied Groom Lake flight test facility in Nevada. Restoration
courtesy of Lockheed Advanced Development Company.
SPECIFICATIONS
Wing Span...........................55.6 ft
Wing Area.......................1,795 sq ft
Length (excluding pitot)...........98.75 ft
Height..............................18.5 ft
Empty Weight.....................60,000 lbs
Gross Takeoff Weight............120,000 lbs
Engine.....2 Pratt & Whitney J-58 Turbojets
Static Thrust (each)...........32,500 lbs
(Note: #6924 made its first flight with
two Pratt & Whitney J75's installed.)
Crew......................................1
Sensor Payload....................2,500 lbs
PERFORMANCE
Maximun Speed.........Mach 3.35 (2,211 mph)
at 85,000 ft (estimated)
Maximum Range (unrefuelled)........2,500 mi
Maximum Operational Ceiling.......95,000 ft
This aircraft is on loan from the USAF Museum Program