The YF-12: A SR 71 Blackbird With Missiles | Military History |

The YF-12: A SR 71 Blackbird With Missiles | Military History |
Design and production on the YF-12 began in secret in the late 1950s with speed and stealth in mind. Because of the unprecedented rate of speed and the ensuing massive amount of friction on the aircraft, titanium alloy was used for the fabrication of most of the machine. Titanium alloy can withstand up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The Lockheed A-12 line gave way to the YF-12, which later gave way to the Lockheed SR-71.
The first flight for the YF-12 experimental aircraft took place on August 7, 1963. The development and initial flights were kept totally secret until President Johnson officially announced the YF-12 line on February 24, 1964.

Only three YF-12s were ever made, given the tail numbers: 06934, 06935 and 06936. There’s only one, lonesome aircraft left today.
‪@VTDMilitaryHistory‬
#worldhistorydocumentary #documentary #worldhistory #history #airforce #aircraft #airplane #military #minecraft #weapondesign