GoKawiilEx-NASA propulsion engineer discusses agency's reported SR-71 revival effort
Tim Conners, NASA's former lead propulsion engineer on the Blackbird program in the 1990s, spoke with The War Zone about NASA's apparent work to return SR-71 Tail 844 to flight. The interview follows reporting that satellite imagery showed Tail 844 missing from Armstrong Flight Research Center since at least May, and that NASA has contacted former SR-71 personnel about rejoining the effort. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman had earlier teased a new high-speed, high-altitude X-plane using a silhouette resembling the Blackbird.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Conners' firsthand knowledge of Tail 844's systems could help clarify how technically feasible it would be to restore a 27-year-dormant airframe, a question outside observers have struggled to assess. The pattern of satellite evidence, personnel outreach, and Isaacman's teaser suggests NASA may be pursuing a high-speed flight test program, though the agency has not confirmed this publicly. If true, such a program could signal renewed interest in sustained high-Mach research platforms within NASA's aeronautics portfolio.
- Tim Conners was NASA's lead SR-71 propulsion engineer in the 1990s and worked directly on Tail 844.
- Satellite imagery reportedly shows Tail 844 missing from NASA Armstrong since at least May.
- NASA has reportedly contacted former SR-71 staff, fueling speculation about a Blackbird revival tied to Isaacman's X-plane teaser.
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Published there as: “Former SR-71 engineer talks NASA's Blackbird revival program”
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