Here is the info on the plaques at the Blackbird Airpark as read from Paul Stahl's photos he sent me. Thanks again to Paul for sending them to me. Please note that there are a few typos/spelling errors in this information. I included them in the spirit of accurate reporting!? LOCKHEED A-12 The A-12 was the proof-of-concept vehicle for the SR-71/YF-12 family of "Blackbirds." It was the 12th in a series of designs for a U-2 replacement from Kelly Johnson's "Skunk Works," hence the designation "A-12." Although its operational service is shrouded in mystery, it is believed the single-seat A-12 was used exclusively in covert operations by the CIA from 1967 to 1968. ************** Of the fifteen A-12's produced, this is the prototype aircraft, #60-6924....the first one built and flown. Although momentarily lifting off during a high-speed taxi check on Apr 24, 1962, it's first real flight was two days later, from the Air Force's classi- fied Groom Lake flight test facility in Nevada. Restoration courtesy of Lockheed Advanced Development Company. SPECIFICATIONS Wing Span...........................55.6 ft Wing Area.......................1,795 sq ft Length (excluding pitot)...........98.75 ft Height..............................18.5 ft Empty Weight.....................60,000 lbs Gross Takeoff Weight............120,000 lbs Engine.....2 Pratt & Whitney J-58 Turbojets Static Thrust (each)...........32,500 lbs (Note: #6924 made its first flight with two Pratt & Whitney J75's installed.) Crew......................................1 Sensor Payload....................2,500 lbs PERFORMANCE Maximun Speed.........Mach 3.35 (2,211 mph) at 85,000 ft (estimated) Maximum Range (unrefuelled)........2,500 mi Maximum Operational Ceiling.......95,000 ft This aircraft is on loan from the USAF Museum Program