Lockheed A-12, Aircraft monument in Manhattan, New York City, United States.
This monument features a black Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft displayed outdoors, showcasing its long, sleek fuselage constructed primarily from titanium to withstand supersonic flight conditions.
Developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works division under the classified Oxcart project, the A-12 first flew in 1962 and served as a precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird before retirement in 1968.
The A-12 represents Cold War era innovation in aerospace engineering, demonstrating American capabilities in high-speed reconnaissance technology that could reach speeds exceeding 2,200 miles per hour (3,540 kilometers per hour).
The aircraft display is located in Manhattan and remains accessible to visitors interested in learning about Cold War aviation history and the technological developments of 1960s reconnaissance programs.
This A-12 was operated exclusively by the CIA for covert missions over hostile territories, flying at altitudes around 90,000 feet (27,434 meters) to avoid enemy detection and defenses.
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