The Lockheed D-21 is an American supersonic reconnaissance drone. The D-21 was initially designed to be launched from the back of an M-21 carrier aircraft, a variant of the Lockheed A-12 aircraft.

The Lockheed D-21 was a highly-advanced, remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) designed to carry out high-speed, high-altitude strategic reconnaissance missions over hostile territory. Developed by the famed Lockheed "Skunk Works” in the 1960s, the D-21 used technology from the A-12/YF-12/SR-71 “Blackbird” family of high-speed manned aircraft.

The D-21 drone was an unpiloted aircraft originally designed for CIA and Air Force surveillance missions over particularly hostile territories. Launched from airborne carrier aircraft, the D-21's Marquardt ramjet engine propelled it at speeds over 2,000 mph (3,200 km/h).

Jan 16, 2022 · For this reason in the 1960s the famed Lockheed “Skunk Works” developed the D-21 a highly-advanced, remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) designed to carry out high-speed, high-altitude strategic reconnaissance missions over hostile territory.

Jun 8, 2018 · The ultra-secret test program to launch a D-21 drone from the top of an M-21 launch aircraft at over Mach 3 and 90,000 feet, is cancelled. The D-21 program does move forward on its own.

Mar 20, 2019 · In the final analysis, the D-21 remains a remarkable achievement and we should appreciate it as an historical artifact, and a great example of technological innovation by the Lockheed Skunk Works and the NRO.

The Lockheed D-21 (Project Tagboard) was an unmanned or "drone" aircraft designed to carry out high-speed, high-altitude strategic reconnaissance missions over hostile territory. It is a product of the Lockheed "Skunk Works" program that developed the A-12, YF-12, and SR-71 "Blackbird" manned aircraft in the 1960's.

Jul 6, 2017 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Lockheed D-21 High-Altitude, High-Speed Reconnaissance Drone including pictures.

Apr 2, 2025 · D-21 Prototype (Q-12) (Lockheed Photo) Due to the agreement between the Soviet Union and the United States restricting the use of manned vehicles over the Soviet landmass, this unmanned aircraft was developed.

Oct 24, 2019 · The Lockheed D-21 unmanned drone was launched at Mach 3 from a pylon mounting on top of the rear fuselage of an A12 Blackbird. The designation of the A12 then became an M21 with the D-21 installed. Two A12's were modified (#60-6940 and #60-6941) to carry the D-21 Drone.