
NASA has moved the SR-71A with tail number 844 stored at Edwards Air Force Base into the hangar for inspection, and has proactively contacted former test engineers to evaluate the possibility of resuming flight.
AI-generated summary
The SR-71 "Blackbird" is a high-altitude and high-speed reconnaissance aircraft. The tail number 844 was kept at Edwards Base after completing its last flight on October 9, 1999.
The picture shows the SR-71 reconnaissance aircraft. (Picture taken from NASA)
[Reporter Wu Zheyu/Taipei Report] The legendary SR-71 "Blackbird" high-altitude and high-speed reconnaissance aircraft, which has been grounded for nearly 27 years, may return to the sky again. NASA has moved the SR-71A, tail number 844, currently stored at Edwards Air Force Base, from the outdoor display area into the hangar for inspection. It has also proactively contacted former "Blackbird" test engineers to evaluate the return of this 59-year-old Mach 3 aircraft to flight.
The military news website quoted "Aviation Week" as reporting that the SR-71A aircraft, tail number 844, completed the last flight of the entire "Blackbird" family on October 9, 1999, and has been staying at Edwards Base for outdoor display. The aircraft quietly disappeared from the display area and entered the hangar before May this year, earlier than NASA Administrator Isaacman proposed the idea of rebuilding the X-plane experimental fleet in September.
What’s even more noteworthy is that in August this year, NASA administrators contacted former SR-71 test engineers and asked if they were willing to assist in the resumption of flight of aircraft No. 844. Many other former testers also received invitations, showing that NASA’s current work is not just about simply preserving historical aircraft.
The SR-71 is built with a titanium alloy body. The 844 can fly above Mach 3.2, at an altitude of more than 25,900 meters, and can maintain Mach 3 flight for more than one hour. NASA has transformed the SR-71 into a high-speed experimental platform in the past. The upper fuselage can carry research equipment with a total weight of 6,577 kilograms for propulsion, aerodynamics and high-temperature environment testing.
However, the "Blackbird Resurrection" is extremely difficult. Its two J58 engines have been out of service for decades, and the structure and remaining life must be re-examined and tested. The SR-71 also requires a large amount of special JP-7 fuel for each flight, and triethylborane fuel is used for engine startup. Its special lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, ground handling equipment and large amounts of materials no longer exist.
The personnel issue is equally thorny. The two-seater SR-71B that was responsible for training in the past has become a museum display aircraft, and NASA's original simulator is no longer operational. If we want to truly resume flying, we must not only rebuild the simulation training system, but also retrain pilots and reconnaissance system officers, and obtain high-altitude full-pressure flight suit qualifications.
NASA is still in the feasibility assessment stage and cannot yet confirm that the SR-71 will return to flight. The real key will be whether the next step is to dismantle the J58, conduct non-destructive inspection of the titanium alloy body, purchase JP-7, and conduct engine commissioning and taxiing tests. If these things happen one after another, it will mean that the "Blackbird", which has been dormant for nearly 27 years, has truly begun to move towards returning to the sky.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
NASA will conduct J58 engine disassembly and inspection and non-destructive inspection of the airframe
Possible · Within months

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