The Lockheed A-12 family, known as the Blackbirds, were designed by Clarence “Kelly” Johnson. These YF-12 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.
The Lockheed YF-12A (60-6935) carries the “cold-wall” heat transfer pod on a pylon beneath the forward fuselage. The pod is seen with its insulating coating intact.
YF-12A, tail number 06936 on the Edwards ramp.
The first of three YF-12’s flew in August 1963. In May 1965, the first and third YF-12’s set several records, including a speed record of 2,070.101 mph and an altitude record of 80,257.65 feet.
NASA Test Pilot Don Mallick with YF-12A (60-6935). These YF-12 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.
The YF-12 is also coated with a special black paint that helps radiate heat from its skin.
Iconic sunrise shot of the Lockheed YF-12.
The Lockheed YF-12A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Size contrast between the Lockheed F-80C (front) and the Lockheed YF-12A at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
An AIM-47 missile before loading into the Lockheed YF-12A weapons bay. These YF-12 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.
Restoration staff move the Lockheed YF-12A into the new fourth building at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Lockheed YF-12A in the Research & Development Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
General view of the North American XB-70 Valkyrie and the Lockheed YF-12A in the Research and Development Gallery in the museum’s fourth building.
Restoration staff move the Lockheed YF-12A into the new fourth building at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
The aircraft on display — the second one built — was recalled from storage in 1969 for a joint USAF/NASA investigation of supersonic cruise technology. These YF-12 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.
The Lockheed YF-12A in flight with “cold-wall” experiment.
The Lockheed YF-12 (S/N 60-6935) takeoff.
The Lockheed YF-12 (S/N 60-6934) on the ground.
Dryden Flight Research Center E-23131. Photographed 1971.
Col. Chuck Yeager with Jimmy Stewart (left) at Lockheed YF-12 unveiling. These YF-12 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.
The Lockheed YF-12 (S/N 60-6936) on the taxiway.
Col. Robert L. “Fox” Stephens (pilot, left) and Lt. Col. Daniel Andre (fire control officer, right).
The 1965 Thompson Trophy on display in the Research & Development Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
The Pratt & Whitney J58 Turbojet engine on display in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Pratt & Whitney J-58 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. These YF-12 images were photographed by military veterans and service members.
