Sorry. I should clarify my original post. My uncle forwarded me the story. He was not part of the Skunk Works. He was in charge of all the vehicles at plant 42 in Palmdale CA. he retired about 15 yrs. ago.

As for the SR71, I don't consider the Blackbird "retired". So much of it's technology exists today in so many different aircraft! And, we all keep it very much at mach 3 in our hearts and memories! I spent a summer down in Lancaster right out of school back in the early eighties. I used to set at the end of the runway and watch this magnificent plane fly, weekly. The power/sound is beyond description!!!!

Randy