On Apr. 21, 1989, SR-71 Blackbird #61-17974, better known as Ichi-Ban departed Kadena Air Base (AB) on a mission. At the controls were Pilot Lt. Col Dan House, and RSO Blair Bozek. As #974 accelerated through three times the speed of sound, the left compressor bearing froze, causing the immediate …
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On 20 July 1972, an SR-71A ( 61-7978 ) was Nicknamed the “Rapid Rabbit” piloted by Captain Dennis K. Bush and Reconnaissance Systems Operator (RSO), Captain James W. Fagg was written off during the rollout phase of its landing. In extreme crosswinds, the pilot landing at Kadena AFB deployed the drag …
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Former SR-71 Blackbird Pilot Colonel (Ret) James H. Shelton Jr. spent over nine six years flying the SR-71 at Beale Air Force Base. He was the fifth SR-71 crew member to reach the 900-flying hour plateau. In May 1969 a unique operational Blackbird mission occurred during his initial overseas deployment …
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