3 ms·
Some interesting trivia: The SR-71 began as the YF-12, and was originally supposed to be RS-71 (Reconnaissance/Surveillance), but somebody thought SR sounded b
by anonymousiam 4y ago
Some interesting trivia:
The SR-71 began as the YF-12, and was originally supposed to be RS-71 (Reconnaissance/Surveillance), but somebody thought SR sounded better.
The YF prefix on the original aircraft is often referred to as "Yankee Fire", a caveat that is still in use.
- swasheck 4y agolegend is that president johnson got it confused in a press conference and called it the sr-71 so instead of correcting him they just changed the name. "skunk works" is a great read. i'm almost done with "area 51" by annie jacobsen and it's quite the interesting read as well, though it does get dry at times. https://openlibrary.org/works/OL15839422W/Area_51 https://openlibrary.org/works/OL15839422W/Area_51
- chipsa 4y agoThe correct part of the legend is that the speech he was reading off of said SR-71, because someone thought it sounded better, and getting it spoken by the President was easier than doing it the "Right" way.
- swasheck 4y agothank you. i really appreciate that clarification. it's always nice to learn new things.
- laverya 4y agoPretty sure that the CIA's A-12s came before the YF-12 interceptor prototype.