This video celebrates the 50th anniversary of two major milestones in aviation, the creation of the United States Air Force and of Chuck Yeager's first supersonic flight. It was recorded at what has to be the "best seat in the house", the approach end of the active runway at Edwards AFB, California. This video tells the story of the last high Mach flight of the SR-71B flown by NASA aircrews.
Cover of the VHS Video
Larry Johnson has filmed the last Mach 3+ flight of SR-71B #956. This aircraft built as the trainer model with flight controls in both cockpits, was renumbered when transferred to NASA as aircraft #831. The filming occurred during the 1997 Edwards Air Force Base Air Show. It documents takeoff and landing sequences from the most advantageous point on any air base, the end of the runway. At Edwards AFB, this is known as the Hammerhead due to the distinctive shape of the parking ramp at that location. Being there at all was a stroke of luck. Edwards AFB and the roads leading to it were crowded with visitors lining up for entry to watch the air show. Larry's host for the day, Gordon Fullerton, decided to avoid the crowds and watch the show from his workplace rather than the from the Edwards ramp. As a NASA test pilot, Gordon had a security badge with escort authority to gain access to the Hammerhead which is closed to the general public. Larry was in a unique position to film flight and ground sequences of the following aircraft:
B-1B
B2
B-52
A-10
F-15
F-16
F-18
KC-135
C-17
C-130J
C-141
T-38
T-39
P-51 Mustang
SR-71B Blackbird
The Blackbird sequence, to which 20 minutes of this program is devoted, covers flight planning, engine start, taxi, takeoff, Mach 3 pass overhead, landing and post flight activities.
The still captures shown below were taken from this video:
One Viewer Noted:
The video, I thought, was put together exceptionally well. I really enjoyed the history you provided about Edwards AFB and the graphic pictures of the base and runways. The narrator had a great voice and easy to listen to and the video transitions were smooth from subject to subject. You had some great footage of the air show that day and probably had the best seat on the base. The video was a bit jerky at times but didn't detract too much from the overall great footage. The video of the Blackbird was really good, especially being able to hear the engine start carts wind up. It's been several years now since I have heard that sound and it gives me goosebumps every time because I know what's about to happen, an SR-71 is getting ready to take off. Thanks for the memories! You did a great job putting it all together.
MSgt Mike Hull, USAF, (Ret.)
20 years as an SR-71 Electronics Warfare Technician
8 years at Det 1, Kadena AB, Okinawa
Another Viewer Said:
The video provides a close up look at aircraft ground and flight operations. You see the different fighters and other aircraft from the perspective of their ground crews or as if you were the wingman taxiing out with your leader. The haunting trademark whine of the SR-71 start cart will make anybody from the Blackbird Program wish they were back on the flight line with those magnificent aircraft. The fly bys are impressive if for no other reason than you just don't see those kind of aircraft grouped together in the same sky on a normal day. Because the viewing location is so close to the approach end of the Edwards runway, the observer feels as if they were waiting for their turn for take off while other aircraft taxi past or land in front of you. It makes you feel like you were a part of what is going on. The only thing missing is a helmet and mask, a sweaty flight suit, the lumpy feel of a survival knife strapped tightly against your right calf and a parachute harness that pinches across your shoulders as you turn to watch the other aircraft around you.
Col. Donn A. Byrnes, USAF, (Ret.)
Air Force Flight Test Engineer (SR-71, #955)
Co-Author of Blackbird Rising and a retired gentleman fighter pilot.
The Second Fifty Years of Air Power
You may now add this unique video to your personal collection. The running time is 47 minutes total, with a full 20 minutes devoted to the SR-71B. It is available in either VHS tape at $13.95 or DVD disc at $19.95, plus $6.98 postage and handling.
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Quantity discounts are available for museums, educational groups, clubs and for resale. Send your inquiries to Larry Johnson at his e-mail address: Friends of the Blackbird
Checks or Money Orders can be sent to:
Larry Johnson
10117 NE 9th Ave. #C105
Vancouver, WA 98685
Calendars
Each year since 1999, The Friends of the Blackbird has produced a calendar incorporating photographs of interest to the Blackbird enthusiast. A depiction of this years calendar is seen below. This image has been reduced in size to fit your computer screen. It is printed on 8 1/2 X 11 paper and laminated in a protective plastic cover measuring 9 X 11 1/2 inches. Many of the "Friends" use them for place mats on the dining table. It makes for an interesting way to turn the conversation toward a favorite subject.
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Videographer
Photo by Ray Scales
Larry Johnson has been an avid aviation enthusiast for many years. Since 1997 he has focused his energies toward the historical and technical aspects of the Blackbird. "Friends of the Blackbird" was formed to provide cooperation between individuals to eliminate the myth and verify the facts surrounding the Blackbirds. This is an ongoing process that will keep the "Friends" busy for years to come.
Friends of the Blackbird
There are no entry requirements to join Friends of the Blackbird other than a sincere interest in the Blackbird family of aircraft and high technology aviation in general. There are no fees or annual dues. Your participation in the information sharing process is all that is asked. To join Friends of the Blackbird, contact Larry at the address noted above.
Looking to the Future
Larry's quest for knowledge about the Blackbird has taken him to Edwards AFB several times. He has been very fortunate to meet and have conversations with many people having a vast knowledge of the Blackbird. Video recordings have been made of interviews and conversations with the late Marta Bohn-Meyer, NASA SR-71 Flight Engineer and John McKay, NASA's SR-71 Crew Chief. He also has footage taken at Blackbird Airpark in Palmdale, CA and Larry's very memorable flight in NASA's SR-71 Flight Simulator. Larry hopes to produce a follow-on video with this new material. Return to this site periodically to see what is new in Larry's video file and to see if there are any new photos in the gallery which follows for your viewing interest.
Credits:
All material and excerpts from the video "The
Second Fifty Years of Airpower" contained
on this web page is the copyrighted property of Larry Johnson. Copyrighted
November 07, 2003. All Rights reserved. Data may not be reproduced in any format
including electronic retrieval. "Article 2005" photo is from NASA. Photo J0002a.jpg is copyrighted by Ray Scales. Photos:J0008a JPG;
J0019a JPG; J0020a JPG; J0021a JPG; J0022a JPG; J0023a JPG; J0024a JPG are
copyrighted by Anthony Scales. NASA photos are: J0003a JPG; J0004a JPG; J0011a JPG;
J0014a JPG. USAF photos are: J0007a JPG; J0009a JPG; J0013a JPG
Credits:
All material and excerpts from the video "The
Second Fifty Years of Airpower" contained
on this web page is the copyrighted property of Larry Johnson. Copyrighted
November 07, 2003. All Rights reserved. Data may not be reproduced in any format
including electronic retrieval. "Article 2005" photo is from NASA. Photo J0002a.jpg is copyrighted by Ray Scales. Photos:J0008a JPG;
J0019a JPG; J0020a JPG; J0021a JPG; J0022a JPG; J0023a JPG; J0024a JPG are
copyrighted by Anthony Scales. NASA photos are: J0003a JPG; J0004a JPG; J0011a JPG;
J0014a JPG. USAF photos are: J0007a JPG; J0009a JPG; J0013a JPG
