Hacker News front pageHoward Altman, Tyler Rogoway27 min readintermediate
Former SR-71 engineer talks NASA's Blackbird revival program
Summary
A former NASA SR-71 propulsion engineer discusses the agency's rumored Blackbird revival, speculating it's intended as a high-speed testbed for large, new engine designs. He notes NASA has completed visual inspections and plans power-on testing soon to assess system functionality.
- NASA's potential SR-71 revival is likely for a high-speed engine testbed, not aerodynamics, which CFD handles well.
- The Blackbird is ideal for testing large, man-rated engines that are difficult to integrate and test on new airframes.
- NASA has visually inspected the SR-71 Tail 844 and plans external power-on testing soon to check systems.
- Former program personnel, like a crew chief, have been contacted, but formal offers are not widespread yet.
Aerospace engineers and propulsion specialists should care as it details a unique approach to high-speed engine development using a proven airframe, potentially accelerating future hypersonic flight research.
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