From 2011 April issue of AOPA Pilot magazine:
- What was the code name for the secret program that evolved into the SR-71 Blackbird?
- The project known as “Arch Angel” created the A-1 through A-12 aircraft that preceded the Blackbird.
- Why do SR-71s have white main-gear tires?
- The tires are coated with aluminum oxide to reflect heat so that the tires don’ t explode in the wheel wells during high-speed flight.
- The SR-71 windshields are made from four-inch think pieces of this exotic material to withstand in-flight temperatures of 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Quartz
- More than 90 percent of the SR-71 is made from titanium, an exotic material that, ironically, could only be procured under false pretenses from this country that was frequently overflown by the spy planes.
- Russia
More info and some great photos at wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_SR-71_Blackbird.