Inside Skunk Works

Absolute Definition of Power

Inside Skunk Works

Show Notes

It was a time when computers were in their infancy. They were incredibly expensive and enormous with less processing power than an iPhone. Using little more than slide rules and pencils, a group of engineers designed one of the most advanced aircraft in aviation history. The year was 1958 and the aircraft they created was the SR-71 Blackbird.

For exclusive content, check out our show notes at lockheedmartin.com/insideskunkworks

Email us at [email protected]

Produced by Theresa Hoey & Claire Whitfield Artwork by Becca Smith

More from Inside Skunk Works

Oct 16, 2019

Aircraft design begins with an idea, but you can’t fly an idea. Just as the Wright brothers proved air travel is possible, Skunk Works® engineers must prove the impossible, is possible.

Sep 30, 2019

A spy story involving CIA cover stories, the Red Fleet, Skunk Works® engineers, and a famous, eccentric American billionaire.

Sep 13, 2019

In the 1970s, Skunk Works® stealth technology was proving so successful, that Ben Rich began looking for new potential applications. From this search would arise a program that would allow the United States not only to dominate the air, but the sea.

Aug 27, 2019

Skunk Works® is in the business of going fast. More than a mile per second fast. What does it take to fly at hypersonic speeds?

Aug 14, 2019

The first pilot to fly the SR-71, a pilot with more flight test hours at Mach 3 than any other, and a protégé of legendary aircraft designer Kelly Johnson – this is his journey that changed the world. His name is Bob Gilliland.

See all episodes →