NASA asked several former SR-71A staffers to help secret restart
17 hours ago
- NASA is attempting to return a retired SR-71A Blackbird (Tail No. 844) to flight after nearly 27 years, removing it from a display pole at Edwards AFB.
- Former NASA test engineers Mike Relja and Tim Conners were offered jobs to support the secret project, but both expressed skepticism about feasibility due to aging airframe, lack of spare parts, and missing ground equipment.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman hinted at rebuilding the X-plane fleet for aeronautic breakthroughs, but the agency has not officially confirmed the return-to-flight project.
- Major challenges include destroyed $600 million spare parts inventory, lack of JP-7 fuel and unique chemicals, and no trained maintenance crews or ground carts, though Conners suggested cannibalizing museum aircraft for parts.
- Despite obstacles, the aircraft's simple architecture and existing operational manuals offer some hope, and the project is seen as a possible stepping stone for new X-planes.