"Blackbird", a myth that has not been shot down

"Blackbird", a myth that has not been shot down

Since the first plane successfully soared into the sky and played an irreplaceable role in the battlefield, countries have stepped up their in-depth research on aircraft, so aircraft used in different environments and different purposes have been manufactured one after another. Among them, the reconnaissance plane, as a special-purpose aircraft, also plays the role of "eyes" and "ears" and becomes the key link to defeat the enemy on the battlefield.

Among them, SR-7 1 reconnaissance plane adopted the most advanced technology at that time, and it was also the first practical jet plane in the world that successfully broke through the thermal barrier. What's more commendable is that in the actual combat record, it has never been shot down by any enemy plane or anti-aircraft missile, and you can be proud of it for life just by relying on this record.

As the third generation of American blackbird family, SR-7 1 reconnaissance plane is designed on the basis of A- 12 reconnaissance plane. After successful development, it has become an advanced long-range strategic reconnaissance aircraft, which can be used in any scope in the world. In terms of design, in order to reduce the production cost, SR-7 1 adopts a special titanium alloy.

This titanium alloy can be softened at a lower temperature, so it is relatively easy to process. Moreover, finished aircraft are often painted with dark blue close to black, which can enhance the thermal radiation cooling effect of the aircraft and can be disguised at high altitude. Because of this, it is called blackbird.

It is worth mentioning that the shape of SR-7 1 is designed to have a very small radar reflection cross section, which is also an early stealth design. However, there are still gaps. This seemingly safest stealth design is not equipped with high-temperature engine exhaust, so the long-range radar deployed on its plane has become one of the biggest targets pursued by the enemy.

Such a target is so ostentatious that it can be tracked in real time from hundreds of nautical miles away. This SR-7 1 has become the most unsafe reconnaissance plane. In fact, it has no stealth function. Fortunately, thanks to the high-speed flight of the plane, even if SR-7 1 is found and pursued, it can still be got rid of.

It is said that SR-7 1 has successfully escaped thousands of attacks against it, which also makes it a record that it has never been shot down by any enemy plane or anti-aircraft missile. Because this is a plane flying too fast, the average pilot can't control it at all. Do pilots who can fly this kind of plane need strict training or a series of strict requirements?

People must be between the ages of 25 and 40 and be "emotionally stable". Moreover, because of flying too fast, in order to avoid the accident of deviating from the course, the pilot needs extremely high time accuracy when driving, and operates almost completely according to the time node.

In addition, because the flying height and speed of SR-7 1 are beyond the human body's tolerance, the pilot must wear a fully sealed flight suit that looks like an astronaut. Looking at these demanding requirements, I wonder how many pilots have the quality and conditions to fly such an airplane.