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Flying the SR-71 Blackbird

In the Cockpit on a Secret Operational Mission

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Flying the SR-71 Blackbird

By: Richard H. Graham
Narrated by: Shawn Compton
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For anyone who has ever wondered what it's like to fly the SR-71 on a secret Mach 3 reconnaissance mission, this book has the answer. Completely redesigned and updated with photos from author Colonel Richard H. Graham's personal archive, as well as a new introduction, Flying the SR-71 Blackbird details what an SR-71 mission entailed, from planning to donning a pressure suit to returning to base.

The Lockheed SR-71, unofficially known as the Blackbird, was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3 strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed by Lockheed Skunk Works. The aircraft flew so fast and high that not one was ever shot down, even by a missile. SR-71 pilot and instructor Colonel Richard Graham offers a rare cockpit perspective on how regular Air Force pilots and navigators transformed themselves into SR-71 Blackbird crews, turning their unique aviation talents to account in an unprecedented way.

Arguably the world's foremost expert on piloting the Blackbird, Graham takes listeners along on an operational mission that only a few Air Force pilots have ever experienced.

(P)2021 Tantor Air Forces Armed Forces Military Military & War Aviation
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Flying the SR-71 Blackbird by #RichardHGraham. So if you want to know what it's like 🚀 flying at 3x the speed of sound, this #book takes you there. The writing about the @LockheedMartin & #skunkworks supersonic jet was detailed and accurate throughout. 📚 4/5🌟 #bookreview

3x the speed

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If your into aircraft or in the UK heading to Duxford IWM in Cambridge to see the static Blackbird display then this book is for you. Excellently narrated with so much detail it will captivate you. Outstanding.

Incredible detail

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A dry subject that was surprisingly interesting. Lots of insights into both the SR71, management, technology and the politics especially around the intelligence community.
Recommended.

Surprisingly excellent

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The audio book references diagrams in the hard copy version of the book which you just don’t have. Loads of nerdy detail down to what switch in the cockpit does what with occasional moments of insight and interest.

Disappointed and often rather bored.

Disappointing

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This book is of real interest for pilots & aviation fanatics. If you have a interest in all things SR-71 you will love it. The audio version does not come with the SR-71 cockpit schematic, it would benefit the book if these were available as PDF however a search will show you plenty of other SR-71 cockpit layouts. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this book but it helped that I have read and watched loads of stuff on YouTube and visited the one at Duxford UK where they have a brilliant display.

A brilliant read for the aviation enthusiast.

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