University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics Seminar Series: The D-21: An Insight into Systems Integration

Abstract:

The D-21 was among the most ambitious projects undertaken by the Lockheed Skunk Works ™ under the legendary designer, Kelly Johnson.  Though less famous than the U-2 and SR-71, the D-21 was no less ambitious. Cruising at M=3.0 plus at unheard of altitudes with immense range, the D-21 was a robotic spy plane conceived of during the height of the cold war. Stretching the technology of the time, the D-21 proved to be a bridge too far.  While hitting its speed, altitude, and range performance numbers, it was the challenge of developing the complex subsystems and intricate flight profile that led to a difficult development program and poor operational record.  Using recently de-classified materials, the root causes of these failures are discussed and used to illuminate the challenges facing modern researchers in developing technologies and concepts for hypersonic applications.