Tag Archives: functional check flight

Sad Story of SR-71 Blackbird that crashed on FCF flight after Installation of new OBC Camera

Sad Story of SR-71 Blackbird that crashed on FCF flight after Installation of new OBC Camera

On 18 December 1969, SR-71A (61-7953) was scheduled for a functional check flight (FCF), piloted by SR-71/F-12 Test Force director Col. Joe Rogers and his Reconnaissance Systems Operator (RSO), Maj. Gary Heidelbaugh. The aircraft configuration included, for the first time ever, the Optical Bar Camera (OBC) nose assembly and some …

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