Mary Sandy
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                  February 14, 1990
(Phone:  202/453-2754)

Nancy Lovato
Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, Calif.
(Phone:  805/258-3448)


RELEASE:  90-24

NASA ACQUIRES SUPERSONIC SR-71s ON LOAN FROM USAF

     Three supersonic SR-71 "Blackbird" aircraft, being retired 
from the U.S. Air Force, are slated for loan to NASA's 
Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards, Calif.  One 
airplane is scheduled for arrival on Feb. 15, with the second 
arriving Feb. 20.  Arrangements for the third aircraft will be 
determined later.

     The aircraft will be in flyable storage at the NASA facility
until the Air Force determines that it no longer has a need to 
preserve them.  NASA officials currently are assessing research 
opportunities and experimentation that can benefit from using 
these high-speed flying testbeds.  A loan agreement between NASA 
and the Air Force for these aircraft is in preparation. 

     The Dryden facility operated YF-12s, similar to SR-71s, from
1969 to 1979, gaining much useful research data on structures and
stability and control of airbreathing aircraft at high speeds and 
altitudes. 

     The SR-71, manufactured by Lockheed Corp., is capable of 
flying at greater than three times the speed of sound.  The 
aircraft's 101-foot long titanium structure is coated with a 
special black paint that helps dissipate heat caused by high 
speeds.

                              -end-

Editors Note:  Media wishing to photograph the arrival of the
SR-71 on Feb. 15 or Feb. 20 should contact NASA Dryden Public 
Affairs at 805/258-3449 no later than 3 p.m. PST the day prior.  
NASA project official David Lux will be available for questions.  
Still photographs and videotape of arrivals will be available 
from NASA Dryden Public Affairs.


TO:  MDS/PRA Group
     1615 L Street, N.W. - Suite 100
     Washington, D.C. 20036

DATE & TIME:  FEBRUARY 14, 1990.  3:00pm

ORDERED BY:  Edward Campion
NASA Headquarters/LMD
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20546             PHONE:  202/453-8400

PROJECT TITLE:  Release No:  90-24

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MAIL DATE:  FEBRUARY 15,1990

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