How did the blackbird get its name?

Answer 1

The SR-71 Blackbird started life as the A-12 reconnaissance plane, built by Lockheed Skunk Works for the CIA who wanted a successor for the U-2 reconnaissance plane(which ironically, is still in service). The project was named "Archangel" and the result was Clarence Johnson's 12th design, hence the A-12 designation.

18 A-12's were produced, three were used as prototype interceptors for the USAF, designated YF-12's. These were modified to incorporate fire control radar from the canceled XF-108 Rapier, another Mach 3 capable aircraft and weapons payload bays to house missiles instead of the A-12's reconnaissance equipment.

The YF-12's underwent testing and almost 100 aircraft were ordered by the USAF. However due to budget cuts by the Secretary of Defense in 1965 these orders were cancelled and the program halted.

The USAF also ordered a reconnaissance version of the A-12 in addition to the YF-12's.

This was initially designated the R-12, it was lengthed to incorporate larger fuel tanks to increase range, it competed against a proposed XB-70, modified for reconnaissance and strike, designated the RS-70 for reconnaissance/strike.

The R-12 proved to have much better performance and was adopted by the USAF as the RS-71, taking over the bomber designation(new bomber designations have been the B-1 and B-2 since the 60's).

However Chief of Staff General Curtis LeMay preferred the SR (Strategic Reconnaissance) designation and had the designation changed in President Johnson's speech though the designation RS-71 was still present in places.

Ironically in all printed materials about the aircraft from Lockheed the aircraft is designated the R-12.

And that is the twisted history of the SR-71 Blackbird's name.