[Milsurplus] Re: U-2 vs SR-71...

[Kenneth G. Gordon]

> Would someone please explain to me why we use an early
> '50's airplane for this mission instead of the '60's
> version, the SR-71's?
> 
> Was it TOO good?  Did it give us too much of an
> advantage?

SR-71 took an incredible amount of maintenance. Some on this list 
probably know the specifics, but it was something like 24 hours 
maintenance for every hour in the air.

The Military sold them all not too long ago. A private company 
picked them up, refurbished them and is leasing them back to the 
AF I hear.

They are a truly awesome airplane. NOTHING in present existence 
equals them, IMHO.

Ken Gordon W7EKB