Customer Reviews

SR-71 Revealed: The Inside Story

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those who have never heard of the plane, this book would be merely interesting. To those with a healthy respect of the plane, its crews, and its mission, Col. Graham has written the book that beats all. This effort clearly covers the devlopment of the plane and its daily operations, all of which were cloaked in the highest secrecy of the Cold War. Graham, involved with the plane for most of his career, has a unique persepctive, and takes his reader through "the way it was."
I really loved this book and the stories involved. Thanks to the types of missions flown, it will be years before the full story come sout, but until then, read this book.

Wow is one of the many words that describe this book. It is a memoirs of the SR-71, told in a story-telling manner which won't allow you to put the book down. The level of detail Col. Graham goes into is spectacular. He tells of others many experiences of the SR-71 as well as his own. Like when traveling at mach 3, how a sunset would rise and when they slowed down it would set again. It makes one realize that the SR-71 is the Icon of American ingenuity as well as military might.

Col Graham has written an informative book about the SR-71: the plane, the program and the pilots. He wrote with passion, even though some of the prose is formless. The chapter about the technical aspects of the SR-71 is the most detailed I have ever seen. The book begins with a introduction to the selection and training of crews, follwed with technical info on the plane and subsystems. The book finished with a detailed narrative of a typical SR mission. The book is littered with snippets about the SR-71 and its crews. The book closes with an account of the termination of the SR-71 program. Some of the arguments are not coherant, and are overly critical of SR opponants, but the main thrust is the SR-71 filled a niche that no other recon platform could. Col Graham notes that if the SR had been flying during the Gulf War, it would still be flying today. This shows the real value of the SR-71. It is most useful in times of crisis. If you are not an SR fan, this book will make you long to be a "Habu". Overall I enjoyed this book, although some of the tales of Air Force days of old could have been left out. Good work Colonel!

A terrific book for anyone interested in the most facinating aircraft ever flown, but a must for those who have had the honor of being associated with the mission. The SR-71 was pure magic, and Rich's love for it shines through on every page. It was with great honor that I served under Colonel Graham, the author. It would be hard to find a finer pilot, leader, commander, or friend. If you want the real inside story on the Blackbird, this is the one book you must have. I should know -- I supervised the 9th SRW command post and was also privy to the secrets of the program. The book evoked fond memories, and more than a few tears. Ya done good, boss! Lynn

Having been to many of the places noted in the book and having followed the SR-71 from it's earlist days as a U.S.A.F flyer myself I couldn't put the book down until itwas finished. Another fine job Col.Graham.

Appears to be Very Factual- My information was from a little bit
earlier period, 1975 to 1980. I Recognized and remembered many of the people right away. My Point of view was from the tankers that refueled the HABU pilots. Not really stressed was the fact that the SR-71 did go to far without a formation of tankers keeping it full of fuel. It's definietly a shame that some of the
higher up in SAC din't see the value of the program. Overall this was a really good book- hard to put down.

After reading this book, you wonder why the SR-71 program was ever discontinued. Author Richard Graham, a retired USAF officer and former pilot of the SR-71, not only packs this book with endless fascinating details about this superlative aircraft, but makes strong arguments for its continuing utility as a reconnaissance platform. His book covers a broad spectrum from detailed technical descriptions of the aircraft, to stories of life among the "Habus" (as the aircraft were called by their crews), to discussions of the SR-71's place in aerial reconnaissance and its history in the halls of the Pentagon. Overall a great book from start to finish. Even if you've never heard of the SR-71 before picking up this book, you'll be a fan of the aircraft by the time you finish it!

Wow! Now this is what I'm talking about! You don't know anything about the SR-71 program unless you flew the plane, served in the units, or read this book! OK, you may not be as knowledgable as the people who walked the walk, but at least this is the closest you'll ever come to it! This book is full of details about the plane, its technical details (almost 50 packed pages!), the missions, the life in the Squadron or at the Detachments, the people who flew it, you name it, you'll learn it from this book. Nowhere else you can learn the intricate details about the unstart/restart cycle, spike and inlet management, IGV shifts, manipulating the forward and aft bypass doors, ADS failure, DAFICS, bank angle management, etc. I'm telling you, this book is full of riveting information! I particularily liked the short stories contributed by other Habus, sharing their experiences, excitements, ups and downs, etc. Good job Colonel! The author skillfully conveys the shear professionalism of the SR-71 crews and support personnel, and shares many stories that will take you back to the haydays of the Blackbird. He shares the good, the bad, and the fantastic! I agree, it was a loss to lose the program in 1990, but time had changed and maybe the Cold War justified it but by the fall of the CCCP it became impossible to need 25 tankers for one SR-71 mission. The changing times passed by a Cold War giant, even if it could fly M3+ and equipped with SENIOR KING. Thanks for sharing the memories, I think I'll go back to page one and start reading again!

I WORKED WITH THIS PLANE UNTIL ITS RETIREMENT AND KNOW COL. GRAHAM. THIS BOOK TELLS IT LIKE IT WAS AND IS TRULY A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SR71 BLACKBIRD. IT IS WELL WORTH READIING

In life, if you need information, or want to know honest and real information on something, then ask an expert. And few can talk about the SR-71 with the credentials of Rich Graham! Not only was Rich an operational pilot of the Blackbird, he was an SR-71 Instructor, Squadron Commander, Director of the Program at the Pentagon, and Wing Commander.

So few know what he does. His stories are very readable, he manages to mix facts with humour and technical information. Plus he has gathered some trusted friends to tell real life stories of the aircraft, the crews, and the way it operated.

If you are a fan of the SR-71 like me, and want to know more, then this is one of the books YOU MUST OWN.