FS2004 Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
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FS2004 Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Rapid Rabbit at 80000 feet. An update to automatically fly at Mach 3.0 and 80000+ feet and then manually for cruising speeds up to Mach 3.5. It was inspired by an email contact with a real SR-71 pilot who spent 4 years and about 500 hours in the cockpit and knew her well. It became obvious that the normally quoted maximum of Mach 3.2 was indeed the normal cruising speed and that the Blackbird was flown safely at faster speeds particularly when out running launched G-A missiles capable of Mach 5. In a training mission over Arizona at 81000 feet, a pilot below asked for a GS check, 90 knots came the reply. A Navy F-18 joined in, 620 kts on the ground the reply. Too good to miss, the RSO asked for a check from 81000 feet, the startled ATC officer answered Aspinxx I have you at 1982 kts 2282 mph on the ground. It begs simulation, so in the package there are two flights from the 1980’s and it is another upgrade of Robert Barker’s FS2000 SR71 61-7978 and of Bob Chilico’s previous FS2004 update. A new aircraft based on the Alphasim textures for 61-7955 using this air file is included. It is a new experience to fly a plan at 80000+ feet and at supersonic speeds. A great challenge to manually tighten a turn at Mach 3.5 and to get down again without running out of fuel. All that is missing is a tanker to refuel her at altitude. Packaged by Ross McLennan. 9 mB
