Lockheed A-12
Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1962 · fighter
The Lockheed A-12 was a single-seat Mach 3+ reconnaissance aircraft developed for the CIA under the classified OXCART program. It was the predecessor to the SR-71 Blackbird and the world's first operational titanium-structured aircraft.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Chined fuselage with blended delta wing |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine Mach 3+ titanium spyplane
- Chined fuselage with blended delta wing
- Twin vertical fins canted outward
Distinguished from the later SR-71 by its single-seat cockpit and more pointed nose; the chined fuselage, blended delta wing, and twin canted fins are the defining visual hallmarks.
Specifications
- The Lockheed A-12 has a length of 30.97 m (102 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.95 m (56 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 3560 km/h (2212 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson at Lockheed's Skunk Works, the A-12 made its first flight on 26 April 1962. It entered service with the CIA in 1963, flew covert missions over Cuba and North Vietnam, and was retired in 1968 as the SR-71 took over the strategic reconnaissance role.
Variants
The A-12 spawned several variants including the YF-12A interceptor prototype and the M-21 drone carrier, which launched the D-21 reconnaissance drone. The two-seat trainer version was designated the TA-12.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the CIA's 1129th Special Activities Squadron at Area 51, Nevada; the A-12 never served with the USAF directly and saw limited operational deployment over hostile territory.
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