The Hermeus Podcast 09 – Flying the SR-71 “Blackbird”

The SR-71 “Blackbird” is a legendary aircraft. It remains the world’s fastest airplane – a title it has held since the 60s. In this special episode of The Hermeus Podcast we chat with two former crew members of the SR-71 and get into some rather thrilling stories.

PODCAST GUESTS

Skyler Shuford – Founder, COO
Tom Veltri – Retired USAF Lt. Col.
Robert Behler – Retired USAF Maj. Gen.
Michelle Tyrlik – Sr. Flight Test Engineer

HIGHLIGHTS

02:12 – SR-71 overview
04:31 – Why hasn't an airplane surpassed the SR-71 speed record?
06:46 – The need for the SR-71
12:32 – How is Hermeus doing things differently?
14:39 – The 5 MAJOR innovations needed to build the SR-71
20:12 – How did your career lead you to fly the SR-71?
27:32 – Was the SR-71 your favorite plane to fly?
28:50 – What do you think of Hermeus?
33:16 – Bob's most challenging SR-71 flight
34:58 – Refueling in a thunderstorm, with two afterburners lit
37:48 – Eating while flying the SR-71 (baby food and Gatorade)
39:48 – Autonomy vs pilots
47:15 – Blowing an engine near the Soviet Union, getting saved by Swedes
01:01:41 – Sonic boom diplomacy
01:07:13 – Becoming an SR-71 pilot
01:09:35 – What's the WORST thing about flying the SR-71