A-12 and SR-71 comparison. The A-12 was a bit smaller, lighter, and faster. Just slightly. Cruise speed: Mach 3.3 vs 3.2 and 90,000 ft vs 85,000 ft. A single seater vs. pilot and RSO. The A-12 was civilian (CIA) while the SR was military (USAF). The A-12 had one camera behind the pilot in what I believe was called the Q-Bay. The SR-71’s cameras were in the chines on both sides. The SR-71 also had a swappable nose with different recon equipment. The A-12’s single camera was apparently a bit more powerful because a bigger lense could fit behind the pilot. But after Gary Powers U2 was shot down, both the US and USSR agreed not to fly a *manned* aircraft over each other. Thereby rendering the A-12 unable to survey the USSR. The SR was designed with this in mind. The side cameras could rotate to the side to image the Soviet Union while staying out of their airspace. At least that’s my understanding! #sr71 #sr71blackbird #a12 #a12blackbird #oxcart #reconnaissance #spyplane #fast #mach3 #supersonic #1960s #lockheedmartin…

The Washington Monument on the 50th anniversary of the moon landing 🌑😭 #space https://t.co/mUZ5AZDuTW