The SR-71 Blackbird is an iconic aircraft that has come to symbolize America''s technological superiority during the Cold War. Using recently declassified information, globally renowned expert Paul Crickmore updates his definitive account of the aircraft.The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird ranks as one of the most elegant, sleek and powerful aeroplanes ever designedBut it was not built to be admired – it was built not to be seen at all. The high-altitude aerial reconnaissance sorties it was to perform were top secret and carefully concealed from public knowledge. However, as the aircraft have become museum pieces and details of their work declassified, the whole story of their design and operation can finally be told.This updated edition of Paul Crickmore''s classic Lockheed Blackbird: Beyond the Secret Missions is based on 850 pages of documentation and images declassified by the CIA covering the A-12 Oxcart programmeThese highly significant documents range from discussions at the highest le