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Specialty Press Publishers |
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Lockheed Blackbirds Warbird Tech Series Volume 10 |
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by Tony R. Landis and Dennis R. Jenkins |
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Reviewed By Howie Belkin, #16 |
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MSRP: $16.95 USD Softcover 8.5”x11” 104 pages, 8 color pages, over 200 b/w photos and drawings. First published in 1997, this new edition has been completely updated, rewritten and packed with new photos and drawings (75% of which are new and never published before). The Lockheed Blackbirds were 50 of the highest flying, fastest (faster than a speeding .30 rifle bullet), manned, air-breathing aircraft ever developed. All three variants are covered, the A-12, YF-12 and SR-71, along with the “almost rans” and the drone rams. There’s also coverage of some of the tracking and support aircraft. Detail photos include the cockpit, engine, radar, weapons bay and markings. Details include the fact that yes; it was true that because the A-12’s titanium airframe would heat to more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, the problem of leaking fuel tanks’ expansion joints would never be completely solved. Though Blackbirds arose out of Area 51, the authors state that their retirement is not because of a super secret “Aurora” – it’s just plain economics – satellites perform the recon duties as well, and at a fraction of the cost! This book is highly recommended for its thorough coverage. Available for $16.95 plus $4.95 shipping and handling at Specialty Press Publishers, 39966 Grand Ave., North Branch MN 55056 or call 1 800 895 4585 or go to www.specialtypress.com. Many thanks to Specialty Press for the review copy. |
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