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2026-09-26 Science & Technology

Famed spy plane disappears from California air base as mystery grows

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Posted by Skidmark 2026-09-26 09:28|| E-Mail|| Front Page|| [87 views ] Top

1 There was a time when 'chase' planes were used to monitor and report inflight performance of platforms under test.

It's a little scary to think a Blackbird would be needed to keep up.

Posted by Skidmark 2026-09-26 12:39|| 2026-09-26 12:39|| Front Page Top

2 Given that specific plane made the last known SR-71 flight in 1999, I doubt that they are flying it again. There would be no qualified pilots, back seaters, mechanics and I doubt that there are any refueler aircraft certified to carry the special JP-7 fuel that the Blackbird requires.

On edit: AI Copilot agrees that the aircraft is not going to be returned to fleet status foe the reasons I listed and its answer is that it was moved to a hanger for restoration from being on outside display for so long.

Posted by Chantry 2026-09-26 12:52|| 2026-09-26 12:52|| Front Page Top

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