A Look At the CIA's A-12 Oxcart

Step onto the CIA campus and learn about the A-12 Oxcart.
Learn more about how the A-12 outran the enemy: • Outrunning The Enemy: ...
Learn more about the differences between the A-12 and SR-71: • Behind the Scenes - Th...
Take a tour of the SR-71 Blackbird with someone who flew it: • A look at the SR-71
What did the backseat Reconnaissance Systems Officer do? Find out here: • Walter Watson - Flying...
For more learning resources check out Smithsonian Learning Lab: learninglab.si...
For more FREE teacher resources from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum visit STEM in 30, the museum's Emmy nominated TV show for middle school students: airandspace.si...
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[@maq3396]

An outstanding video! The representative from the CIA provided a wonderful dialogue on a plane that he obviously has a lot of respect for. Thanks

[@tscottme]

The reason, according to SR-71 pilots, it took off with minimal fuel was related to the tires. The speed a particular needs to achieve for takeoff is related to its weight. The heavier it is, the more speed required for takeoff. The tires have a speed-limit beyond which they will overheat and fail. By launching with minimal fuel the aicraft can takeoff below the tire burst speed. Acceleration during takeoff is also much better at lighter weights than at full-fuel weights.

[@kkeelty64]

Fun Fact: All the titanium used in the production of the A-12 and SR-71 airplanes came from... USSR.

[@docbrown6550]

These are awesome parts of our History and for that these important airplanes need to be inside of a building for protection from the weather.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

Fantastic expert on this plane.

[@charliechuckles3364]

Really interesting video, thank you

[@Jakob_DK]

At 4:28 one can see the triangles in the edge of the wing. A stealth feature.

[@brentsrx7]

Yay! Smart people and awesome content.

[@Mondae99]

Ssssssh sercretmillartyaircraftreresisdenauronaticts​@PrinceKoopa

[@shivammathur1583]

Lockheed Martin develops some of the most amazing aircraft. Area 51 develops the next gen technology. I love USAF and Lockheed

[@jgedutis]

Imagine being the engineer that had to explain that the A-12 was supposed to leak fuel while sitting on the ground

[@SemjhapetSemjhapetdobriaalviar]

Facks! Picks

[@Aphro1z]

#101011111000. #archangleA12.