Skunkworks!

"NotUnlessRoundIsFunny" (notunlessroundisfunny)
07/28/2014 at 22:18 • Filed to: planelopnik, aircraft, sr-71, u-2, skunk works

Air & Space Magazine has some newly-revealed artifacts from the Skunk Works, where such favorites as the U-2, SR-71, and F-117 were developed. Some cool photos of programs as they evolved, and some that never made it.

http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviat…

DISCUSSION (7)

ttyymmnn > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
07/28/2014 at 22:29

Which reminds me, my wife was supposed to renew my subscription to A&S Mag for Father's Day, but she forgot. I'll have to go buy this one.

I think that the things that didn't get built can be as interesting as the ones that did. I've considered doing some posts on "aircraft also-rans", planes that didn't make the cut. The whole early jet era of aviation is fascinating.

Martin XB-51

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > ttyymmnn
07/28/2014 at 22:33

I've considered doing some posts on "aircraft also-rans", planes that didn't make the cut. The whole early jet era of aviation is fascinating.

Please do write those posts!

That whole part of aviation history is so full of innovation and rapid advances it's incredible.

ttyymmnn > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
07/28/2014 at 22:40

The pace of aircraft development is truly staggering. To get from the Wright Brothers to the F-22 in just 111 years is mind boggling.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > ttyymmnn
07/28/2014 at 23:18

less than 70 years to from flying 10 feet above the ground, to walking on the surface of the Moon. That's amazing.

ttyymmnn > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
07/28/2014 at 23:20

Even better.

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits
07/28/2014 at 23:26

And my comment makes the timeline for yours no less amazing. And to be honest, the F-22 has probably been in development for a decade or so. (I'm too lazy at the moment...)

user314 > ttyymmnn
07/29/2014 at 11:02

I loved the opening to the re-edited episodes of Wings that started at the Wright Flyer and ended at the F-117, it was a perfect summary of that idea.