SR-71 Blackbird
In SR-71 Blackbird: Stories, Tales, and Legends, former SR-71 pilot, instructor, and wing commander Colonel Richard Graham presents the most intriguing SR-71 stories ever told. This once highly classified program is fully revealed through the words of pilots, commanders, mechanics, and instructors involved in the Blackbird’s creation and flight testing. From grueling reconnaissance missions to the Persian Gulf conflict, this insightful book is brimming with stories of courage and perseverance.
Including detailed commentary by Colonel Graham, drawn from 15 years of assignments within the SR-71 community, and with a foreword by the late deputy director of the National Air and Space Museum Don Lopez, this fascinating book answers all the questions you might have about this legendary airplane.
Running chronologically, from the first A-12 flights to the record-breaking transcontinental delivery flight of the SR-71 now in the National Air and Space Museum collection, each chapter begins with a brief biographical sketch of the featured Blackbird program participant, followed by their firsthand accounts. Explore:
- Personal stories, legends, traditions, and behind-the-scenes activities of the Blackbird program
- Sidebars amplifying and expanding on aspects of the stories
- The meanings of Blackbird-related terms such as Habu, unstart, Bat Caver, and hook
- Black-and-white photos of the participants at work and play
- SR-71 key events timeline
Feel the Mach 3 power of this awesome aircraft and gain an appreciation of just how unique the Blackbird program really was.
A veteran of fifteen years of assignments within the SR-71 community, Colonel Richard H. Graham is uniquely qualified to tell the Blackbird’s story. Crew member, instructor pilot, chief of the standardization/evaluation division, Colonel Graham was named SR-71 Squadron Commander, 1st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, in January 1981. A command pilot with more than 4,600 military flying hours, he has earned military decorations and awards including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with eighteen oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with “V” device and one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Colonel Graham’s books on the SR-71 include Flying the SR-71 Blackbird, SR-71 Revealed: The Inside Story, and SR-71 Blackbird: Stories, Tales and Legends. He lives in Plano, Texas.