The Lockheed A-12 is a retired high-altitude, Mach 3+ reconnaissance aircraft built for the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) by Lockheed's Skunk Works, based on the designs of Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. The aircraft was designated A-12, the twelfth in a series of internal design efforts for "Archangel", the aircraft's internal ...

Nov 5, 2018 · At first glance, you might think that the SR-71 and the A-12 are the same aircraft but they do have a few distinct differences. Both of these jets were built for the purpose of reconnaissance, the A-12 for use by the CIA and the SR-71 for the US Air Force.

On May 29, 1967, the A-12 made its first operational flight, following one flight line over North Vietnam and another over the demilitarized zone between North and South Vietnam. A Lockheed A-12 on display at the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion at …

CIA developed the highly secret A-12 OXCART (above right) as the U-2 spy plane’s successor, intended to meet the nation’s need for a very fast, very high-flying reconnaissance aircraft that could avoid Soviet air defenses. It became operational on November 12, 1965.

It was a single-seat, twin-engine aircraft designed for high-altitude reconnaissance missions. The A-12 had a sleek, delta-wing design with sharp edges and a pointed nose. In contrast, the SR-71 featured a slightly larger airframe with a two-seat cockpit and a more rounded fuselage.

CIA developed the highly secret A-12 OXCART as the U-2’s successor, intended to meet the nation’s need for a very fast, very high-flying reconnaissance aircraft that could avoid Soviet air defenses. CIA awarded the OXCART contract to Lockheed (builder of the U-2) in 1959.

The Lockheed A-12, colloquially referred to as Archangel 12, was a marvel in aviation engineering, making its mark during the Cold War era. This article delves into the historical context behind its development, the intricacies of its design, its unmatched performance metrics, and its role in military and combat scenarios.

1 day ago · The A-12 is the forerunner of the SR-71 and has nearly the same shape and dimensions as its replacement. Designed to replace the U-2, the A-12 flew higher and four times as fast to outrun enemy defenses and gather intelligence.

Feb 26, 2018 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Lockheed A-12 (Archangel 12) High-Altitude Strategic Reconnaissance Stealth Aircraft including pictures.

The Lockheed A-12 Oxcart is a twin-engined single-seat long-range supersonic strategic reconnaissance aircraft produced by the American manufacturer Lockheed Corporation in operation from 1963 until 1968 by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).