Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird, 61-7971 / 2022, NASA
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 61-7971
Construction Number: 2022
Code Number: 832
Military Unit: AMES-Dryden Flight Research Facility
Model Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
Operator: NASA
Airport: Edwards AFB (EDW / KEDW), USA - California
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 07/05/1993
Date Submitted: 17/01/2009
Photographed on the ramp at the Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Facility. After the USAF retired the SR-71 in 1990 Congress reinstated funding for additional flights. SR-71A (61-7971 / NASA 832) arrived at Dryden on 19 March 1990. It departed to Lockheed Palmdale on 12 January 1995, having never been flown by NASA crews at the Center. It was flown by NASA crews at Palmdale in support of the Air Force SR-71 Reactivation program. Manufactured in October 1966, she was returned to the USAF inventory and was the first aircraft reactivated for USAF reconnaissance purposes in 1995. Retired once again, she is now on loan to the Evergreen Aviation Museum in Oregon.
Picture ID:1153409