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The A-12 wasn't a bloody bomber! (It was the single-seat predecessor version of the SR-71 Blackbird. While interceptor and bomber versions were proposed, only
by cstross 14y ago
The A-12 wasn't a bloody bomber!
(It was the single-seat predecessor version of the SR-71 Blackbird. While interceptor and bomber versions were proposed, only 3 prototype YF-12A interceptors were built; the bomber variant was a paper study. The A-12 itself was definitively unarmed, being a pure reconnaissance aircraft.)
See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_A-12 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_A-12
- jnazario 14y agoto this point, given that eisenhower was pushing his open skies initiative, it was vital to ensure that the aircraft used in recon were distinguished from armed aircraft, lest they get shot down (or we think the soviets were invading, if they had taken up eisenhower on his offer under open skies). other considerations - space, weight, aerodynamics - are also key, but this policy angle is just as important.
- philwelch 14y agoPeople are probably confusing it with the abortive A-12 tactical naval bomber: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_A-12_Avenger_II http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_A-12_Avenge...