Blackbird Rising: Birth of an Aviation Legend
by Donn A. Byrnes, Slyvia L. Byrnes, Kenneth D. Hurley, Jeanne Hurley
Category: Political Science

If you want to know how the SR-71 came about & who did what to whom, you need to read this book. The Blackbird was forged from 1950s & 60s components merged with aerodynamics & structural metallurgy from the cutting edge. An aircraft with capabilities like no other, capabilities unequaled even today. The authors lived with these machines & their technology. Blackbird Rising chronicles political & technical events that molded the SR-71. The story follows the airframe & engine, as well as sensor technology up to delivery of the first operational aircraft to Beale Air Force Base, California. The book explains the sensors & how they evolved. It describes feeder programs leading to major aircraft components as delivered in 1968. The authors explain the SR-71 flight test program & other events at Edwards AFB. This story highlights individuals & their unique contributions. It is peppered with personal experiences as everyone added their special talents to create the Blackbird's aviation legend. Today SR-71s inhabit museums but they still beckon us to the upper reaches of the atmosphere. Blackbirds consumed our lives then & still capture our hearts today. Join the authors & relive air-breathing aviation history. BLACKBIRD RISING Birth of an Aviation Legend Book cost $17.95 ea. + $3.00 S&H website orders - www.sagemesa.com e-mail orders - sagemesa@swep.com fax orders - 505-866-0038 mail orders - Sage Mesa Publications, Inc. P. O. Box 2397, Los Lunas, NM 87031