A derivative of the A-12 and YF-12A, which was designed in the late ’50s, the amazing Blackbird remains the fastest ever jet-powered aircraft in the world today. These “speed demons” last belonged to the Air Combat Command’s 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California, with the last two examples having been based at Edwards AFB, California (Detachment 2, 9th Operations Group). Often referred to as “Det. 2,” they also operated T-38A Talons that were used as companion trainers to keep the pilots and Reconnaissance Systems Officers (RSOs) current. Both the T-38As and the SR-71As had the 9th RW markings and sported the “BB” (Beale’s Best) tail code.
The Habu
This story is from the September - October 2021 edition of Flight Journal.
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This story is from the September - October 2021 edition of Flight Journal.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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BY THE TIME THIS TRAINING SCENE WAS RECORDED in Canne, Italy, in July 1944, Allied Yugoslavian airmen had several years of experience working side by side with the RAF.
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