What is the difference between Lockheed yf-12 and sr-71?

Question

Im wondering why Lockheed Sr-71 and Yf-12 has different model while there designs were both the same?

Answer 1

YF-12 was the Lockheed designation given to the aircraft. SR-71 was the re-designation assigned by the CIA (not the U.S. Air Force).



Google SR-71 and/or YF-12 for more information.

Answer 2

Lockheed Yf-12

Answer 3

The same type of airframe doing different jobs. YF-12 interceptor SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft The Lockheed D-21 was a Mach 3+ reconnaissance drone that began development in October 1962. Originally known by the Lockheed designation Q-12, it was intended to be launched off the back of the A-12 for extra-long or very dangerous missions. The

Answer 4

While some versions of the YF-12 and the SR-71 look alike, The SR-71 has a rear compartment for the RSO. If you look closely at an SR-71 you will see a set of windows (one on each side of the aircraft) behind the cockpit, that is the RSO position. The YF-12 is a single seat aircraft.

Answer 5

They are different versions of the same aircraft. It was named the YF-12 during initial production for press releases only. The project was not supposed to be common knowledge but information was accidentally leaked The fact that is was labeled a "fighter" doesn't mean that's what it was designed for. The fighter designation was strictly for the press releases while it was going through initial flight testing. The aircraft was too fast to ever be used as a fighter interceptor. It was always meant to be a recon bird but it was supposed to be a secret. The "SR" designation was a mistake also. It was supposed to be the RS71 but LBJ kept screwing it up and it stuck.

Answer 6

The Y indicates that it is a prototype and f a fighter. The YF 12 was a prototype untra fast interceptor version of the SR-71. It was fitted with a larger long range radar system and so the nose is different and the chines are less pronounced and do not extend all the way to the front. Notice the difference.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:YF-12A.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lockheed_SR-71_Blackbird.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YF-12

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Answer 7

SR 71 was a later model. I forget what the significance was exactly, but the YF was not the Recon workhorse that the SR 71 became. My favorite aircraft!

Answer 8

The YF-12A was armed, the SR-71 was not and strictly used for reconnaissance work.