Three D-21B supersonic drones

Three D-21B supersonic drones (Google Maps)
No Thumbnail
The Lockheed D-21 unmanned drone was launched at Mach 3 from a pylon mounting on top of the rear fuselage of an A12 Blackbird. The designation of the A12 then became an M21 with the D-21 installed. Two A12's were modified to carry the D-21 Drone.

After completing its Photo Reconnaissance mission, the D-21 flew to friendly territory and the camera was ejected. The cameras were then recovered in flight by a C-130 mid-air recovery system afterwards, the D-21 drone would self-destruct at a low altitude. The program was cancelled after D-21 launch failed and detroyed an A12.

The D-21 program was later modified to be launched from a B-52H Stratofortress. Five operational missions were flown in this configuration over China. Operations ceased due to political reasons, cost and difficulty of operation.

I think these are D-21B #513, D-21B #529, and D-21B #537.
2,217 views
Views by date
9.0 (1 votes)
Rate as 1Rate as 2Rate as 3Rate as 4Rate as 5Rate as 6Rate as 7Rate as 8Rate as 9Rate as 10

Comments

Policies

Please log in if you don't want to post anonymously (anonymous users cannot post links).

Note: VirtualGlobetrotting is an entertainment website is and is not associated with this post, location or person.

Please enable images and enter code to post
Reload

Around the World Mailing List

Share:

Comments

Policies

Please log in if you don't want to post anonymously (anonymous users cannot post links).

Note: VirtualGlobetrotting is an entertainment website is and is not associated with this post, location or person.

Please enable images and enter code to post
Reload
jbottero picture
@ 2008-04-10 10:25:45
Not there anymore.