The world’s fastest and highest flying aircraft was conceived as early as 1958 by the renowned aircraft engineer, Kelly Johnson.  The gigantic leap in technology he and his engineers had to overcome at the Lockheed Skunk Works was phenomenal. 

Built in total secrecy, the first Blackbird flew on April 26, 1962. The Blackbird's only purpose was to gather highly classified intelligence on hostile countries around the world. Flying at Mach 3+ speeds and cruising at over 85,000 feet, the SR-71 could survey over 100,000 square miles every hour all whilst  cruising at over 2,100 mph, with skin friction temperatures reaching 700 degrees Fahrenheit, the SR-71 performed at its very best!

Colonel (ret.) Rich Graham, flew the world’s fastest and highest flying aircraft, the SR-71 Blackbird, for 7 years during his 25 year Air Force career. He also flew 210 combat missions in Vietnam as an F-4 fighter pilot and Wild Weasel pilot. His many military awards include 3 Legion of Merit medals, 4 Distinguished Flying Cross medals and 19 Air Medals. Rich speaks with authority on the SR-71 having been the Squadron Commander and 9th Wing Commander of this Top Secret reconnaissance program. Rich is a respected authority with an incredible depth of knowledge on the Blackbird. His truly amazing stories enthrall aviators and non-aviators alike.
After 25 years in the Air Force, Col. Graham flew 13 years for American Airlines. He retired in August 2002 as a Captain on the MD-80 aircraft. He has accumulated over 14,000 flying hours. He now keeps busy as an author, speaker, aviation consultant and flight instructor. Col. Graham has written five books on the SR-71 which will be available to autograph and purchase after the presentation.

Col. Graham’s presentation will discuss the evolution of the SR-71 and some of the major hurdles Kelly Johnson and his band of engineers had to overcome in order to reach Mach 3+ speeds.

Event flyer.