GoKawiilNASA quietly moves to return retired SR-71A Blackbird No. 844 to flight
Satellite imagery shows NASA removed SR-71A Tail No. 844 from its static display pole at Armstrong Flight Research Center earlier this year and moved it into a hangar at Edwards Air Force Base for inspection and work by ground crews. Former SR-71A test engineers, including retiree Mike Relja, say NASA recently offered them consulting roles on the project, coordinated by special projects director David Ash, though Relja expressed doubt the aircraft could actually fly again given the lack of specialized support equipment.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The plane last flew in 1999, and reviving Cold War-era hardware like the SR-71 would require reconstructing obsolete fuel systems, engines and ground infrastructure, so the effort suggests NASA sees value in a high-speed, high-altitude testbed that current aircraft cannot easily replicate. The hiring of veteran engineers indicates the agency believes institutional knowledge, not just hardware, is the bottleneck. Public comments referenced from a NASA administrator at an aerospace summit hint the project may tie into broader ambitions for new experimental X-planes, though NASA has not detailed its goals.
- NASA moved SR-71A Tail No. 844 from display to a hangar earlier this year for inspection and work.
- Former test engineers, including Mike Relja, were offered consulting roles by NASA's David Ash.
- One veteran engineer voiced skepticism that the aircraft can realistically return to flight.
Source: aviationweek.com — Steve Trimble, 2026-09-29
Published there as: “NASA asked several former SR-71A staffers to help secret restart”
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