Go to:http://www.sr-71.org/blackbird/sr-71/which is the first hit at Google for "SR-71 Announcement" and read the facts. You will see that it was Lyndon B. Johnson. Regards, Bob.

To get back on topic..I just purchased the PILOT's SR-71 yesterday and it is great. I am really enjoying the aircraft.My take on the aircraft:Very nice model work.2D is adequate, not great, but good enough and quite easy to use. Just about everything is right there so it is very convientient.VC is quite nice. Very smooth gauges.Sounds are good. Nice and relatively quiet inside, although the outside doesn't seem loud enough. Overall, I really like the aircraft. I consider it money well spent.

Excellent story Denny.JimCYWG

Yes, the Bird leaks like a siv on the ground but...The reason that there is a tanker waiting to refuel her in 7 minutes is because her rotate speed with only 20 minutes worth of fuel is +-230kts. If you tried to take off with a full fuel load you'd need a longer runway than even The Groom Lake Test Facilitie's (Area 51) runway 20,000+ feet can provide and at speeds that would shread her aluminum infused tires before she got off the ground.But, I guess within the confines of FS you'd take off with a lite load, *simulate* refueling with the payload/fuel menu and then go about your business.Regards,Mike T.

Why they do not have a autopilot pop up for the vr pit is beyond me. I do not see a way to replace one of the ones they do have which nobody needs like the tcas ot hud.

Good story Denny.I asked Blair what happened if the Russians fired a missile at the Blackbird?He said, quite calmly, "we would just out-run it"............WOW eh?Dave T. .........On the lovely warm Devon Riviera and active 'FlightSim User's Group' member at http://www.flightsimgrpuk.free-online.co.uk/

It's got a TCAS? :-lol ! Well, I guess just in case you are number 8 for landing at JFK? ATC - Speedbird 76 Heavy, traffic at your 9' o'clock FL950, SR-71 Blackbird report traffic in sight.CIA - Errr. Speedbird 76 Heavy, disregard the last transmission, you see nothing. Do you hear? NOTHING!!!!!:-badteethRegards,Mike T.

I'm thinking that the real SR-71 doesn't have an autoland...I could be wrong...Regards,Mike T.

Yes, a very good story. I love the Habu and reading about it.I've been away from FS for a month or so, and another SR-71 is out? I didn't even know another was in the works?LOLAnyway, I have had the AlphaSim SR-71 for a long time, and have really enjoyed it, but it's panel (2D and VC) leaves room for improvement. Anyone have both and can test them side-by-side, then give me the run-down?Also, I see on SimMarket's site that it is listed as Euro 29.90, I haven't purchased from them before...what's involved at SimMarket to purchase from the States?Thanks all!!!-JeremyThe Ozark DogfighterHappy Flying!

Hi Jeremy!"(...) what's involved at SimMarket to purchase from the States? (...)"Nothing special. The country where you live doesn't make any difference.Keep us posted about your experiences with the SR-71!Be well,Jaap Verduijn.

Talking of "tall tales" about the Blackbird, my personal favourite, from Brian Shul's definitive work, (http://www.sleddriver.com/reviews_page2.html) is the one where there was a fire in a hangar (I can't remember the full details) and someone used a bucket of the SR-71's special fuel to put it out ....... Alastair

what are the engine start sounds?

I have gotten the cd version and I am pleased with it.Just can't seem to land it properly.What is the usual landing speed range??

I hope you keep you nav skills up. As one SR pilot once said: "You've never been really lost until you've gotten lost at Mach 3!"

Having myself been "virtually" lost at "virtual" Mach 3, I can, indeed, concur. I could NOT imagine the same feeling in real-life.Yikes."* Control, Air Force Zulu Alpha, request FL600""(laughter)Roger Zulu Alpha, cleared to FL600, if you can make it (snicker)""Roger, *Control, Zulu Alpha descending FL800 for FL600"Gotta love it!-Jeremy BurchThe Ozark DogfighterHappy Flying!Pilot-The friction locks are causing the throttle levers to stick.Mechanic- Umm, that's what they're there for...