This one is to automatically fly at mach 3.0 and 80000+ft and then manually for cruising speeds up to mach 3.5. It was inspired by an email contact with a real SR-71 pilot who spent 4 years and about 500 hours in the cockpit and knew her well. It became obvious that the normally quoted maximum of mach 3.2 was indeed the normal cruising speed and that the Blackbird was flown safely at faster speeds particularly when out running launched G-A missiles capable of mach 5. In a training mission over Arizona at 81000 feet, a pilot below asked for a GS check, 90 knots came the reply. A navy F-18 joined in, 620 kts on the ground the reply. Too good to miss, the RSO asked for a check from 81000 feet, the startled ATC officer answered.
No comments:
Post a Comment