A renowned spy plane has disappeared from a military base in California, coinciding with NASA’s hints about an enigmatic new aircraft, leading to speculation about a potential connection.
The SR-71 Blackbird, with tail number 844, had been on display at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, which is located at Edwards Air Force Base.
According to aviation expert Steve Trimble, satellite images indicate that the plane has been absent since at least May 17. He was the first to report this intriguing development.
This unusual timing catches attention. Last week, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman presented a silhouette that looked similar to an SR-71 during an event in Los Angeles, while announcing efforts to revitalize the agency’s fleet of experimental X-planes and reinvigorate research into extreme-speed and high-altitude flight.
Isaacman remarked, “In the service of the first A [aeronautics] in NASA, we are rebuilding our X-plane fleet. The X-59 is investigating quiet supersonic flight, but it’s really just the beginning.” He suggested that it won’t be long before NASA returns to flying as high and as fast as it did in previous decades, possibly even beyond.
Following the introduction of the Blackbird-like image during a live interview, he added a touch of mystery by questioning, “You sure that’s a Blackbird?” without further explanation.
This missing aircraft isn’t just any exhibit. It was the last SR-71 manufactured and the final one to be in operation, completing its last flight in 1999.
While its exact location remains unknown, sources indicate that the aircraft was moved to a hangar for inspection earlier this year.
Considering the plane’s disappearance alongside Isaacman’s presentation, there’s speculation about a possible return-to-flight program after more than 26 years away from the skies.
NASA, however, hasn’t confirmed this theory, suggesting instead that Isaacman is leading a broader initiative aimed at fostering more experimental aircraft that can further high-speed and high-altitude research.
The California desert has been notable for its role in aviation’s most daring experiments, and NASA is once again exploring the limits there. The experimental X-59 has been testing above the Mojave, working to minimize the noise associated with supersonic flight over land.
This aircraft has already surpassed Mach 1 during its trials at Edwards, with NASA planning more tests to analyze the “quiet thump” it generates, a much less jarring sound compared to the loud sonic booms of traditional supersonic jets.
The ultimate objective is to collect sufficient data that could facilitate the development of commercial planes capable of significantly reducing cross-country flight durations.
