Lockheed A-12: The CIA's Blackbird and other variants

Air Vanguard #12

by Paul F. Crickmore, Adam Tooby (Illustrations)

During the early years of the Cold War, the most effective way to gather strategic intelligence about the Soviet Union and its allies was manned overflight. Lockheed's U-2 was spectacularly successful in this role. Much to the concern of President Eisenhower, its shape meant that it could be tracked on Russian radars. Given the highly sensitive nature of such flights, the President insisted that every effort should be made to reduce to zero the U-2's radar cross section (RCS), thereby making the aircraft "invisible." When this was proven to be impossible, the stage was set for a U-2 replacement. Following a competition between Lockheed and Convair, the former was declared the winner and the result was the A-12. Designed to incorporate 'stealth' features before the term was even coined, the A-12 has to date proven to be the fastest, highest flying jet aircraft ever built, and is operated exclusively by the Central Intelligence Agency.

This book will also cover a two-seat variation of the design built as an advanced interceptor - the YF-12. In addition, the D-21 drone programme, known as Tagboard will also be covered.

Genres: Military History, Nonfiction, Aviation

64 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Michael Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Lession in CIA history

Great reading of the history of 'stealth' technology, the CIA, and high mach reconnaissance. Geopolitical espionage and photo reconnaissance missions over enemies of America

[Craig Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fascinating look at the development and use of the A-12 aircraft. The photos and drawings were phenomenal - worth the price of admission.