What kind of aircraft is the Lockheed A-12?

Lockheed A-12. The Lockheed A-12 was a reconnaissance aircraft built for the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) by Lockheed’s Skunk Works, based on the designs of Clarence “Kelly” Johnson.

What was the original name of the A-12?

The aircraft was designated A-12, the 12th in a series of internal design efforts for “Archangel”, the aircraft’s internal code name. In 1959 it was selected over Convair’s FISH and Kingfish designs as the winner of Project GUSTO, and was developed and operated under Project Oxcart.

When did the A-12 make its last flight?

The A-12 began flying missions in 1967 and its final mission was in May 1968; the program and aircraft were retired in June. The program was officially revealed in the mid-1990s. A CIA officer later wrote, “Oxcart was selected from a random list of codenames to designate this R&D and all later work on the A-12.

What kind of aircraft is the A-12 Avenger?

McDonnell Douglas A-12 Avenger II. The McDonnell Douglas/General Dynamics A-12 Avenger II was a proposed American attack aircraft from McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics. It was to be an all-weather, carrier-based stealth bomber replacement for the Grumman A-6 Intruder in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

What is an A-12 Oxcart?

Unlike the later USAF YF-12A and SR-71, the A-12 Oxcart was a single seat aircraft, with the exception of one two-seat trainer version of the A-12, aircraft #60-6927, named the “Titanium Goose”. Mr. Barnes’ photos include a look at the A-12 radar cross section testing model elevated on a stand in the Nevada desert.

What was the first fatality of the Oxcart program?

The first fatality of the Oxcart program occurred on 5 January 1967, when “Article 125” crashed, killing CIA pilot Walter Ray when the aircraft ran out of fuel while on its descent to the test site.