Lecture on the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

Introduction

• Speaker: Jake O'Neal, creator of Animagraffs
• Topic: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a reconnaissance (spy) plane used by the U.S. Air Force from 1966
• Main Defense: Altitude and speed, flying at Mach 3.2 (~2200 mph or 3540.6 km/h)
• Service Record: No SR-71 was ever shot down

Design and Structure

General Overview

• Size: Relatively large for its era
• Fuel: Two-thirds of the fuselage and wing space are fuel tanks (12,219.2 gallons or 46,254.7 L)
• Engines: Two powerful jet engines with nacelles containing movable inlet cones ("spikes")
• Cockpits: Two; one for the pilot and one for the Reconnaissance Systems Officer (RSO)
• Equipment Bays: Surround the cockpits and are customizable

Exterior Aerodynamics

• Ground vs. Altitude: Engines tilted downwards on the ground, level during flight
• Delta Wing Design: Triangular shape; ideal for supersonic speeds
• Shock Waves: Key for supersonic travel; form angles that sharpen with speed
• Chines: Sharp edges that help form vortices and reduce radar cross-section

Engines and Inlet Spikes

Jet Engine Design

• Components: Compressor, combustor, turbine sections
• Function: Air is compressed, mixed with fuel, ignited, and expelled to generate thrust
• Afterburners: Fuel-inefficient but powerful, used for continuous thrust at cruising speeds

Inlet Spike

• Role: Creates shock waves to manage supersonic airflow
• Adjustability: Moves backward as speed increases
• Unstarts: Abrupt loss of thrust due to misalignment of shock waves
• Airflow Management: Multiple bypass doors, bleed vents, and suck-in doors

Fuel System

• Fuel Flow: High rates at takeoff, more efficient at Mach 3.15
• Special Fuel (JP-7): Needed due to high operating temperatures
• TEB: Ignites JP-7 fuel, producing a green flame
• Refueling: Necessary due to heavy fuel load
• Inerting with Nitrogen: Reduces explosion risk

Flight Control Surfaces

• Elevons: Combine ailerons and elevators
• Mixer Mechanism: Blends roll and pitch commands
• Hydraulic Control: Elevons and rudders are hydraulically operated

Landing Gear

• Front: Single steerable nose wheel
• Rear: Twin gear with nitrogen-inflated tires
• Drag Chute: Used for slowing down after landing

Cockpit Overview

• Pilot and RSO: Separate cockpits
• Main Flight Instruments: Attitude indicator, HSI, map projector, altimeter, airspeed indicator, and vertical airspeed
• Supersonic Instruments: KEAS, altitude, Mach indicators
• Fuel Management: Various gauges and switches
• Environmental Controls: Temperature, oxygen
• Throttle Controls: Dual throttles, TEB counters

Reconnaissance Equipment

• Pitot Mast: Air pressure data
• Interchangeable Nose: Swappable for different missions
• Cameras and Sensors: Various types for detailed photography and radar recording
• Astro Inertial Navigation System (ANS): Precise location tracking

Conclusion

• Special: Emphasized the rarity and legendary status of the SR-71
• Behind-the-scenes: Teaser for an upcoming video on the making of this project