The SR-71 reached a maximum speed of Mach 1.2 and a maximum altitude of 33,000 feet. Further aerodynamic assessment flights are scheduled for November. Photos and video are available. The vehicle had undergone refurbishment in Arroyo Grande.
Photos are available.
Government and industry representatives successfully completed a comprehensive design review of the X-33 technology demonstration program on Oct. 31. The five-day design review, which took place at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., gave the program a vote of confidence and the go ahead to fabricate the remaining components, complete the remaining subsystems and assemble the vehicle. The X-33 is a technology demonstrator for a future reusable launch vehicle. These flights are part of the third phase of research flights. The remotely piloted X-36 is designed to fly without the traditional vertical tails found on most aircraft.