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Ex-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.

twz.com · 2026-10-03

NASA 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.

aviationweek.com · 2026-09-29