Dare to Dream: An SR-71 Pilot’s Tale


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This story gives a glimpse into the life of former SR-71 pilot and the world speed record holder, Al Joersz.

Joersz and Skunk Works® program director Steve Justice reminisce how a boy growing up in North Dakota went on to become the “fastest man alive.”

Photographs of Joersz’ life were provided by Valerie Albrecht of the Hazen Public Library.
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Bonus SR-71 Videos

 

 
The Lockheed SR-71 was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3 strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed from the Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A aircraft by the Lockheed Skunk Works. The SR-71 was unofficially named the Blackbird, and called the Habu by its crews. Clarence “Kelly” Johnson was responsible for many of the design’s innovative concepts. A defensive feature of the aircraft was its high speed and operating altitude, whereby, if a surface-to-air missile launch were detected, standard evasive action was simply to accelerate. The SR-71 line was in service from 1964 to 1998, with 12 of the 32 aircraft being destroyed in accidents, though none were lost to enemy action.

SR-71 Cockpit Review


 
Richard Graham was nice enough to give us a cockpit checkout in both the pilot and RSO stations. We shot this on location at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field Dallas Texas.

Get 'Aviation Overload' with the Wings & Airpower Complete PDF eBook Set!

We've digitized all 36 years of 426 Wings & Airpower vintage aviation history magazines into downloadable PDF eBooks for you to read on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Purchase and immediately download your Wings & Airpower Complete Set today!