https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/adfe245a-305b-439b-906d-f410c807ddca Visit our website www.PeriscopeFilm.com Dating to 1974, "The Record Breakers" profiles the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird and the U-2 Dragon Lady. The film celebrates the 1974 speed record set by the SR-71 from New York to London, and London to Los Angeles. The film looks at the complex and innovative development of the SR-71 Blackbird. Lockheed's Advanced Development Projects played a crucial role in its success. The film goes on to describe the training and challenges faced by U-2 pilots, highlighting the unique landing characteristics of the aircraft and the use of mobile vehicles for assistance. • 0:09-0:12: Lockheed developed new techniques to fabricate hot presses. • 0:12-0:15: Machine tools and drills were needed to cut the new alloy. • 0:19-0:24: The Nel rings, the largest titanium forgings ever attempted, were formed. • 0:27-0:32: These rings simplified wing and stabilizer attachment. • 0:36-0:44: Black paint was developed to withstand heat; almost everything on the Blackbird had to be invented. • 0:48-1:02: Lockheed's Advanced Development Projects worked closely with customers and suppliers in all phases. • 1:07-1:14: On April 26, 1971, a crew flew the Blackbird to new records for duration and distance. • 1:18-1:28: The SR-71 cruised at three times the speed of sound, covering over 15,000 miles. • 1:33-1:39: The crew was awarded the McKay Trophy for the most meritorious USAF flight of the year. • 1:45-1:54: The Blackbird was displayed at the Farnborough Air Show, breaking the speed record from New York to London. • 1:57-2:07: Precise mission planning was required due to the SR-71's speed. • 2:14-2:21: A computer program integrated all performance factors and flight characteristics. • 2:23-2:31: Navigation tape and air route map were prepared. • 2:34-2:38: The tape was used in the highly accurate navigational system. • 2:46-2:57: A flight simulator was used to verify the nav tape and check crew proficiency. • 3:02-3:07: Major Sullivan and Major Whitfield were selected for the flight. • 3:09-3:33: The space-like pressure suit provided protection in case of decompression or bailout. • 3:40-3:53: On August 31, 1974, the crew boarded for the record-breaking flight from New York to London. • 4:17-4:30: The Blackbird refueled off the coast of North Carolina. • 4:36-4:44: The Blackbird passed through the timing gate over New York City, accelerating to over Mach 3. • 4:49-5:04: The aircraft's skin temperature exceeded 600°F during the flight. • 5:09-5:20: The sealant for the fuel tanks was developed to withstand Mach 3+ flight. • 5:25-5:30: The SR-71 passed through the timing gate near London and made a flyby over the Farnborough Air Show. • 5:45-5:53: The aircraft landed using only brakes and a drag chute. • 6:06-6:14: The previous record from New York to London was shattered by the Blackbird. • 6:18-6:26: The official time for the 3,470-mile trip was 1 hour 55 minutes 32 seconds. • 6:29-6:42: Notables, including the SR-71's designer, were present for the occasion. • 6:44-7:02: The Blackbird was towed to its static display position at the air show. • 7:17-7:26: The air show featured a flyby of the Anglo-French Concorde. • 7:28-7:47: Various aircraft performed, including helicopters and sailplanes. • 7:57-8:07: The Rothman International aerobatic team performed in tight formation. • 8:10-8:14: A World War II Lancaster bomber added nostalgia. • 8:17-8:26: The British Harrier fighters demonstrated vertical takeoff and landing. • 8:31-8:40: The USAF F-15 Eagle performed its final show. • 8:49-9:02: The SR-71 team answered questions and signed autographs. • 9:04-9:19: The decision was made to return non-stop to Beale Air Force Base via Los Angeles. • 9:23-9:33: The SR-71 was flown to Mildenhall Airbase in preparation for the return flight. • 9:36-9:41: A second flight crew was on hand for the return flight. • 9:44-9:52: Crew suited up for the flight. • 10:41-10:58: The aircraft refueled over Hudson Bay in Canada. • 11:01-11:10: The arrival in Los Angeles was marked by a sonic boom. • 11:15-11:23: The Blackbird set another record for the London to Los Angeles flight. • 11:27-11:35: Distance: 5,463 miles in 3 hours 47 minutes 39 seconds. • 11:52-12:10: Crew was greeted by General Pitts and Mr. Russ Daniel. • 13:00-13:07: Captain Wilson prepared for a U-2 high flight. • 13:44-14:03: U-2 student pilots are trained at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. • 14:05-14:30: Landing the U-2 is challenging due to its design. • 14:32-15:07: Mobile vehicles assist with landing and takeoff. • 15:10-15:37: Landings recorded for training purposes. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSwZ01JCxaw Mirrored from Periscope Film (https://www.youtube.com/@PeriscopeFilm) Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:28:47 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/41a6fee9-7f57-42d0-a5fc-5db4f1af2e31.png https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/adfe245a-305b-439b-906d-f410c807ddca All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.