Testing the Blackbird Simulations Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird BETA (part 2) in Flight Simulator 2024

After an eventful flight in the Blackbird yesterday that saw us fail spectacularly, I’ve been reading the books, and have half a chance of reaching beyond Mach 3 AND getting back down for tea and medals. We’ll be taking the SR-71 from Beale AFB to Groom Lake. Should be fun!

Flight notes

Well THAT was a turn-around. A slow circuit and touch-and-go at Beale AFB, then followed the book numbers up to 75,000ft, and Mach 3.37 out towards Battle Mountain - then a colossal turn across the top of Nevada before dropping down in a huge spiral over Groom Lake, using angle of attack to decelerate and descend.

Initial approach into Groom Lake was a little too high, and with no spoilers and no easy way to keep the aircraft under 250 knots, decided discretion was the better part of valour, and orbited to lose more height.

Final touchdown was at 100ft per minute, and the brake chute slowed us very well before taxiing in for tea and medals - as promised :)

Postscript

I flew the SR-71 this evening in it’s most simplified form - which allowed me too concentrate on the climb profile. There is a lot more to learn - about engine by-pass controls, fuel pump controls, temperature controls, and so on. It’s a fascinating aircraft to fly though, and incredibly rewarding - given the wafer thin flight envelope it operates within.

Can’t wait for the complete aircraft to be released!