Originally designed as a supersonic interceptor for the Air Force, the YF-12A was a variant of Lockheed's A-12 reconnaissance plane. Between 1969 and 1979, NASA flew the YF-12A and later SR-71 for a variety of research projects involving the effects of high speed (up to Mach 3.2) aerodynamics, heating, and propulsion, as well as tests in support of the space shuttle.
NASA
Originally designed as a supersonic interceptor for the Air Force, the YF-12A was a variant of Lockheed’s A-12 reconnaissance plane. Between 1969 and 1979, NASA flew the YF-12A and later SR-71 for a variety of research projects involving the effects of high speed (up to Mach 3.2) aerodynamics, heating, and propulsion, as well as tests in support of the space shuttle.Read MoreImage Credit: NASA