Watch An SR-71 Pilot Explain How The Cockpit Works -- Popular Mechanics
An SR-71's exterior is all smooth, swooping surfaces. The Blackbird's interior, however, is a cramped assemblage of dials and switches need to keep the supersonic spy plane aloft.
Don't be intimidated, would-be pilots. In this video, longtime SR-71 pilot Richard Graham walks you through the bevy of controls and explains what each one tells you.
For something cool and also kind of terrifying, skip to about 14:18, at which point you can see Graham showing off the back of the plane where the navigator sat. As he explains, it was critical that the pilot and navigator were both in perfect health before each flight, because neither could fly the plane properly if the other were to be incapacitated.
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My Comment: This was once classified ultra-top secret .... today it is on YouTube.
2 comments:
I talked to driver of one of these and he told that one of reasons they tanked up after take off is that the fuel tanks do not seal until a certain temperature is obtained, before then the plane would leak fuel sitting on the tarmac. Once in flight at speed friction would heat the plane causing it to expand plus or minus 10% sealing the fuel tanks. Don't know if he was shining me on or not.
James .... he was not shining you.
Reading your response made me post my favorite SR-71 story for 20:00 EST. It will make you smile.
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