WATCH: Meet the SR-71 Blackbird's Missile Packing Sibling

Last updated January 22, 2023

The YF-12 was a prototype interceptor aircraft developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works division for the United States Air Force (USAF) in the 1960s.

It was a twin-seat version of the famous SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft, and was intended to serve as a high-altitude interceptor to defend against Soviet bombers.

The YF-12 was equipped with advanced radar and missile systems and could fly at speeds exceeding Mach 3.

The YF-12 set several speed and altitude records during its test flights, but the program was ultimately cancelled due to budget constraints and a shift in priorities towards air-to-ground missiles.

Only three YF-12s were built, and one of them is now on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

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2 comments on “WATCH: Meet the SR-71 Blackbird's Missile Packing Sibling”

  1. I recall many years ago building a plastic model of this aircraft thinking at the time that one day the skies would be filled with YF-12's but sadly that never happened! Good information!

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