Lockheed A-12 Oxcart is a photograph by Randy Scherkenbach which was uploaded on March 7th, 2022.
Lockheed A-12 Oxcart
The Lockheed A-12 was a high-altitude, Mach 3+ reconnaissance aircraft built for the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) by Lockheed's... more
Title
Lockheed A-12 Oxcart
Artist
Randy Scherkenbach
Medium
Photograph
Description
The Lockheed A-12 was a high-altitude, Mach 3+ reconnaissance aircraft built for the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) by Lockheed's Skunk Works, based on the designs of Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. 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.
The CIA's representatives initially favored Convair's design for its smaller radar cross-section, but the A-12's specifications were slightly better and its projected cost was much lower. The companies' respective track records proved decisive. Convair's work on the B-58 had been plagued with delays and cost overruns, whereas Lockheed had produced the U-2 on time and under budget. In addition, Lockheed had experience running a "black" project.
The A-12 was produced from 1962 to 1964 and flew from 1963 to 1968. It was the precursor to the twin-seat U.S. Air Force YF-12 prototype interceptor, M-21 launcher for the D-21 drone, and the SR-71 Blackbird, a slightly longer variant able to carry a heavier fuel and camera load. 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.
Uploaded
March 7th, 2022
Comments (1)
Randy Rosenberger
Your lovely piece of art from your portfolio of beautiful artistic pieces, has been chose to appear as a feature on the homepage of the Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery Group of Fine Art America. I am proud that you have chosen to be a member of our family of friends and fine artists. You will be featured more than most groups feature works, as I change up and work on my homepage each and every day. It is an honor to have you as an active member of our group. Thanks for sharing your lovely pieces of artwork with us.
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