We've read what it feels like to fly the SR-71 Blackbird. Now learn how to do it yourself. Here's the Air Force's official, and recently declassified, operations manual for the gorgeous, evil-looking spy plane. Who wants to go 2112 mph?


A few quick tips: Stalls, spins, and inverted flight are strictly prohibited. Maximum Mach is Mach 3.2, or 2112 mph at 40,000 feet. The cockpit sunshades are officially known as "bat wings." Detailed cold and hot weather procedures have not been established, and Survival Quick Launch should only be used to avoid destruction of the aircraft. You have been warned.


Note: This is the manual's first section, entitled "The Aircraft." We've also included excerpts from sections dealing with supersonic acceleration, extreme conditions, bailout, and maximum Mach. See it all in one horrific-to-load page here.

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[SR-71.org via IActionFigure]


























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