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NASA reportedly exploring return-to-flight for historic SR-71 Blackbird aircraft
Satellite imagery and reporting indicate NASA removed an SR-71A Blackbird (tail #844) from Armstrong Flight Research Center display. Aviation Week reports NASA approached former engineers about restoration work; no official program confirmation exists.
TLDR
The SR-71's legendary Mach 3+ capabilities make any revival news significant in aerospace circles. Challenges include lost expertise, destroyed spares, specialized JP-7 fuel needs, and airframe age. Recent articles and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's high-speed X-plane comments fuel speculation and debate over feasibility versus unmanned alternatives.
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