SR-71 Revealed: The Untold Story [Paperback]

For those who have never heard of the plane, this book would be merely interesting. To those with a healthy respect of the plane, its crews, and its mission, Col. Graham has written the book that beats all. This effort clearly covers the devlopment of the plane and its daily operations, all of which were cloaked in the highest secrecy of the Cold War. Graham, involved with the plane for most of his career, has a unique persepctive, and takes his reader through "the way it was." I really loved this book and the stories involved. Thanks to the types of missions flown, it will be years before the full story come sout, but until then, read this book --DavidTrail<br /><br />In life, if you need information, or want to know honest and real information on something, then ask an expert. And few can talk about the SR-71 with the credentials of Rich Graham! Not only was Rich an operational pilot of the Blackbird, he was an SR-71 Instructor, Squadron Commander, Director of the Program at the Pentagon, and Wing Commander. So few know what he does. His stories are very readable, he manages to mix facts with humour and technical information. Plus he has gathered some trusted friends to tell real life stories of the aircraft, the crews, and the way it operated. If you are a fan of the SR-71 like me, and want to know more, then this is one of the books YOU MUST OWN. --John Freedman<br /><br />Wow! Now this is what I'm talking about! You don't know anything about the SR-71 program unless you flew the plane, served in the units, or read this book! OK, you may not be as knowledgable as the people who walked the walk, but at least this is the closest you'll ever come to it! This book is full of details about the plane, its technical details (almost 50 packed pages!), the missions, the life in the Squadron or at the Detachments, the people who flew it, you name it, you'll learn it from this book. Nowhere else you can learn the intricate details about the unstart/restart cycle, spike and inlet management, IGV shifts, manipulating the forward and aft bypass doors, ADS failure, DAFICS, bank angle management, etc. I'm telling you, this book is full of riveting information! I particularily liked the short stories contributed by other Habus, sharing their experiences, excitements, ups and downs, etc. Good job Colonel! The author skillfully conveys the shear professionalism of the SR-71 crews and support personnel, and shares many stories that will take you back to the haydays of the Blackbird. He shares the good, the bad, and the fantastic! I agree, it was a loss to lose the program in 1990, but time had changed and maybe the Cold War justified it but by the fall of the CCCP it became impossible to need 25 tankers for one SR-71 mission. The changing times passed by a Cold War giant, even if it could fly M3+ and equipped with SENIOR KING. Thanks for sharing the memories, I think I'll go back to page one and start reading again! --Peter Cseke

This book was first published in 1996 and is written by a former SR-71 pilot, Squadron Commander and 9th Strategic Reconaissance Wing Commander, Colonel Richard Graham. It covers, in great detail, what it was like to pilot this formidable machine, but before that, he starts with an intorduction to Sr-71 training. Early chapters chronicle the aircraft's development and one very important feature - the aircrew's Pressure Suit. At the altitude that the aircraft flew, the aircrew could not survive without it. And, regarding this suit, if they had to eject at height, it was the only thing beteween them and the elements, unlike the F-111 which ahd an ejectable capsual. So I suppose it was worth the $120, 000 each one cost! Everything is larger than life in this aircraft,a s you will find out when you read the chapters covering the technical features. The fuel system is interesting: many readers will know that this machine burned JP-7, a noe of a kind fuel, but in an emergency if fuel was low it was possible the get a top-up from a standard tanker with JP-3 or JP-4. The only problem with this was that it was limited to a 'crawl' of Mach 1.5! Another unusual feature regarding this aircraft is the automatic barrier system. It goes like this. If all else fails to stop the Sr-71 when landing, it passes over pressure sensitive mats built into the runway six feet apasrt. Now here is the clevre bit - as the nose gear passes over one of them, computers calculate the speed and raise a barrier in time to catch the main gear and stop the aircraft...These are just a few of the gems you will find as you read his book, one that I am sure fans of the US Air Force will thoroughly enjoy. --Model Aircraft Monthly, June, 2009

For those who have never heard of the plane, this book would be merely interesting. To those with a healthy respect of the plane, its crews, and its mission, Col. Graham has written the book that beats all. This effort clearly covers the devlopment of the plane and its daily operations, all of which were cloaked in the highest secrecy of the Cold War. Graham, involved with the plane for most of his career, has a unique persepctive, and takes his reader through 'the way it was.' I really loved this book and the stories involved. Thanks to the types of missions flown, it will be years before the full story come sout, but until then, read this book.--David Traill--Wow is one of the many words that describe this book. It is a memoirs of the SR-71, told in a story-telling manner which won't allow you to put the book down. The level of detail Col. Graham goes into is spectacular. He tells of others many experiences of the SR-71 as well as his own. Like when traveling at mach 3, how a sunset would rise and when they slowed down it would set again. It makes one realize that the SR-71 is the Icon of American ingenuity as well as military might. --Navid --A terrific book for anyone interested in the most facinating aircraft ever flown, but a must for those who have had the honor of being associated with the mission. The SR-71 was pure magic, and Rich's love for it shines through on every page. It was with great honor that I served under Colonel Graham, the author. It would be hard to find a finer pilot, leader, commander, or friend. If you want the real inside story on the Blackbird, this is the one book you must have. I should know -- I supervised the 9th SRW command post and was also privy to the secrets of the program. The book evoked fond memories, and more than a few tears. --lora Wilson--Having been to many of the places noted in the book and having followed the SR-71 from it's earlist days as a U.S.A.F flyer myself I couldn't put the book down until itwas finished. Another fine job Col.Graham. After reading this book, you wonder why the SR-71 program was ever discontinued. Author Richard Graham, a retired USAF officer and former pilot of the SR-71, not only packs this book with endless fascinating details about this superlative aircraft, but makes strong arguments for its continuing utility as a reconnaissance platform. His book covers a broad spectrum from detailed technical descriptions of the aircraft, to stories of life among the "Habus" (as the aircraft were called by their crews), to discussions of the SR-71's place in aerial reconnaissance and its history in the halls of the Pentagon. Overall a great book from start to finish. Even if you've never heard of the SR-71 before picking up this book, you'll be a fan of the aircraft by the time you finish it! In life, if you need information, or want to know honest and real information on something, then ask an expert. And few can talk about the SR-71 with the credentials of Rich Graham! Not only was Rich an operational pilot of the Blackbird, he was an SR-71 Instructor, Squadron Commander, Director of the Program at the Pentagon, and Wing Commander. So few know what he does. His stories are very readable, he manages to mix facts with humour and technical information. Plus he has gathered some trusted friends to tell real life stories of the aircraft, the crews, and the way it operated. If you are a fan of the SR-71 like me, and want to know more, then this is one of the books YOU MUST OWN. --John Freedman--Surrounded by an aura of mystery, and yet to be know capabilities,the Blackbird stands as a warbird of almost mithological stature, but there was something missing in the equation, who drives it into the unkown of enemy territory and brings it back loaded with valuable date for our decission makers?? This excelent book will surely fill that void. --Militaria dot com

Put your pressure suit on and strap yourself in for a Mach 3 ride! Former SR-71 Wing Commander Rich Graham tells the amazing inside story of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Graham provides a detailed look at the entire SR-71 story beginning with his application to be an SR pilot through commanding an entire wing.