Three D-21B supersonic drones

Edwards AFB, California (CA), US

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.

Three D-21B supersonic drones

Edwards AFB, California (CA), US

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.

Airplanes - Military - Static Display - Misc
Links: airpower.callihan.cc
By: kjfitz