Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird: Difference between revisions

''This includes the following models: SR-71A, SR-71B''<br/>

[[File:sr71a-cockpit-pano.jpg|480px|thumb|center|[[Howto:_Make_full_spherical_panorama|A full spherical panorama]] of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird 3d cockpit]]

==Aircraft help==

===Startup===

===Landing===

[[Image:B-2_refuel.jpg|thumb|270px|A SR-71 refueling behind a [[KC-135]] tanker]]

====Braking chute====

Start the electric system (<b>}</b>), start the engines (<b>s</b>), watch the engines spin up to 15% N1, then turn off the cutoff (<b>{</b>) and wait for the engines to become operational. Close the canopy (<b>d</b>), release parking brakes (<b>shift-b</b>) and taxi to the runway. Put the throttle to full afterburner power and rotate at about 200 KEAS (knots equivalent airspeed), retract gear (<b>g</b>) after liftoff. Climb out at about 250 KEAS.

[[Image:SR-71-Mach3.jpg|thumb|300px|Finally there - black morning sky and stars from 80.000 ft at Mach 3.2]]

While having a simulated autopilot fly a simulated plane is in general a bit odd, letting the autopilot handle the Blackbird in supersonic flight is worth considering, as it makes life <i>much</i> easier. The reason is that at high velocities, even a small-angle descent immediately leads to a very impressive sinkrate, so the plane needs to be controlled very precisely. But at the same time, the response of the plane at high altitude is increasingly sluggish, and overcorrecting happens easily. In addition, the plane rolls easily and it costs a lot of attention to control course. While small deviations from the optimal climb path just cost more fuel, larger deviations may mean that you have to descend and climb back again. The autopilot can handle the required maneuvering more efficient.

[[Image:SR-71-Returning.jpg|thumb|300px|Descending from high altitude]]

Fly the approach pattern of your choice to the destination runway. Reduce airspeed to about 220 KEAS below 10.000 ft, turn into final approach with about 200 KEAS. Watch the speed, especially when making tight turns in the approach pattern. The Blackbird is a supersonic aircraft with bad aerodynamics in subsonic flight - if you stall, there's little chance to recover. Arm the braking chute (<b>ctrl-b</b>), on final approach extend gear (<b>shift-g</b>) and prepare for landing.

Thanks to the magnificent view from the cockpit, you can't actually see straight ahead, i.e. you don't see the runway in a straight approach. There are three possible solutions: First, you could modify the viewpoint to simulate a pilot trying to put his head to the side. Second, you can approach at a shallow angle and only align with the runway when you are practically over it - in this way it can be seen better. Or you fix your eyes on a point next to the runway and fly an approach with this reference - if done correctly, that should get you on the runway. Touchdown with about 200 KEAS, put throttle to idle and watch the braking chute open and reduce speed quickly. Apply brakes (<b>b</b>) and use rudder to stay on the runway.  

Then taxi to your parking position, apply parking brakes (<b>shift-b</b>), switch off the engines (<b>{</b>), the electrical system (<b>}</b>) and open the canopy (<b>d</b>).