After our last discussion about the SR-71 Blackbird, a debate ensued as to
whether the Blackbird actually overflew Soviet airspace, in direct violation
of the agreement the U.S. signed with the U.S.S.R. after the Francis Gary
Powers incident. This agreement forbade overflights.

I was under the impression that the U.S. *had* flown the SR-71 over
Russia -- so I decided to check with a friend who worked closely with the
Blackbird for over three decades. It turns out we're all correct, sort
of...

Here's his response:

"Hi Jay, I am still out of town but will be home later this week. The
Blackbird was banned from crossing Russia by a law congress passed after the
Gary Powers incident. We did however fly the D21 over there but it was not a
complete crossing but an in and out mission. The SR71 did fly the perimeters
and could obtain a lot of elint data that way around every edge of Russia."

So there you have it. The Blackbird itself did not overfly Russia -- but
the D21 (that weird-looking probe that was mounted on top of the Blackbird,
between the two tails) did. It was not, however, a complete crossing.

Or, at least, that's what the experts are willing to admit to us at this
point! :-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"