I was waiting for someone to ask why the center engine only. The thrust reversers are clamshell-type doors that swing out to deflect most of the thrust forward. They are used primarily to shorten the landing roll. On the 727, the reversers open top and bottom on the side-mounted engines, but side to side on the center engine. The reversers on the fuselage-mounted engines would blow any crud on the taxiway forward - right where the engines could ingest it. The center engine is higher and it's reverser won't stir up dirt and crud on the taxiway.
Guy, you might find the following information interesting and informative. Titanium connecting rods offer some distinct advantages and disadvantages when used in car engines. Let’s explore both sides: Pros of Titanium Connecting Rods: Weight Reduction: Titanium is significantly lighter than steel, which reduces the reciprocating mass in the engine. Lighter rods contribute to faster acceleration, improved throttle response, and reduced stress on other engine components. Strength: Despite its lower density, titanium has impressive strength-to-weight ratio. High-quality titanium rods can handle substantial power levels without compromising structural integrity. Reduced Friction: Titanium rods exhibit lower friction due to their smooth surface finish. This can enhance engine efficiency and reduce wear on bearings. Corrosion Resistance: Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for high-performance engines that operate under extreme conditions. Cons of Titanium Connecting Rods: Cost: Titanium is expensive to manufacture and machine. The initial investment for titanium rods is significantly higher than traditional steel rods. Fatigue Life: Titanium has a shorter fatigue life compared to steel. Frequent high-load cycles can lead to premature failure, especially in racing applications. Brittleness: Titanium is more brittle than steel. While it can handle compressive loads well, it is less forgiving under tensile loads. Sudden engine detonation or excessive stress can cause catastrophic failure. Wear Resistance: Titanium has poor wear resistance. In engines with aggressive cam profiles or high valve spring pressures, titanium rods may wear faster at the rod bearings. Conclusion: To offset the possible negative impact on strength, a fully machined forged titanium rod is the best type. It offers improved grain structure around the big end compared to cut-out true billet designs1. Ultimately, the decision to use titanium connecting rods depends on the specific application, budget, and performance goals. For extreme racing engines, titanium rods can provide a competitive edge, but careful design and maintenance are crucial to maximize their benefits.
What we found out after the rod let loose compressed strength is incredibly extension strength is lacking
It's been Weird around here lately. About a month ago a Bombardier Challenger twin-engine business jet suffered a dual engine failure and crashed next to the southbound side of I-75. The two pilots were killed, but the cabin attendant and the two passengers were able to escape the burning wreck with only minor injuries. A few days ago a Bellanca Super Viking had an engine stoppage and the pilot did an amazing job of setting it down on a road in Cape Coral; more on this in a bit. Then a Cessna 310 arrived at a local airport and the pilot apparently forgot to put the landing gear down. Finally, a cabin-class Cessna twin was stolen, but did not get far as the thief ran it into a light pole and a chain-link fence. I don't think that the thief ever got to 15 mph and he clearly totaled it. As an aside on the Bellanca (you may never have heard of Bellanca Aircraft) , The Viking series of Bellancas are about as close to a civilian fighter that you can get. It flies well and is extremely stable, but you can yank and bank it with very little effort. A Bellanca Viking is the only airplane I have ever been upside-down in. It is old technology with a steel tube fuselage and wood wing, covered with fabric. Apparently the FAA wanted to move the aircraft to Jacksonville to inspect the engine. It didn't take long for them to conclude that trailering a 35 foot wide airplane 300 or so miles was more then they wanted to handle, so they cut the wings off of it! From the video that I saw on TV, the damage to the plane was minor - the most expensive part to fix would have been replacing the propeller and a sudden stoppage inspection of the engine. By cutting off the wings, the plane is totaled. I'd like to be a fly on the wall when the insurance company gets that claim.
Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center just outside of DC has the world speed record holder (coast-to-coast in 68 minutes / average speed 2,300+ mph)... and love that it's just in front of the space shuttle Discovery.
Thank you for posting this Blackbird. This is the one I took my brother-in-law to see. He had never seen one up close. We also saw the Space shuttle. This place has a load of vintage aircraft. Vet
I just took the scout troop to the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH 2 weeks ago. What an awesome place to see. Of course, the SR-71 was probably my favorite (with the Memphis Belle running a close 2nd)
I believe that the Memphis Belle was moved to the Air Force Museum because it was on display outside in Memphis, and was being allowed to deteriorate. Good call IMHO.
...don't know if they've rearranged things, but in '03 I saw 3 of my favorite planes there, SR-71, Concorde, and Enola Gay (waited a long time for Enola Gay to get out of storage in Suitland MD. I think Smithsonian was working thru some political correctness issues). Also saw a childhood fav, Lockheed Vega "Winnie Mae," piloted by Wiley Post, who did early high altitude stuff like riding jetstream at 17,000 ft/340 mph, after inventing the pressure suit. Cool stuff to an airplane geek kid...
You are right about the political correctness issues pertaining to the Enola Gay. I always thought it was stupid; the Enola Gay is a part of history whether some people like it or not. Auschwitz wasn't exactly the land of milk and honey, but it was preserved. BTW - Just as they were entering service, one of the Concordes had a test landing in Boston. Boston was an official alternate airport for the Concorde; British Air/Air France wanted an actual landing there first. My boss, who was an ex-WW2 B-17 pilot, gave me the day off (without pay) so that I could watch it land and take off at Logan. Impressive. I have a cousin who has flown on one. I am jealous.
...closest I ever got to a flying Concorde was when I lived in Manassas. Heard them in pattern around Dulles (yeah, they were at least as noisy as military jets), so I kept a camera handy and snapped some pics next clear day I heard one coming around my side of landing pattern...
I like going to the altitude chamber at Beale AFB in CA. I gor to see the SR71 there at the circle next to lodging. I have seen the one in New York, Lackland AFB TX and the one at The Imperial War museum Duxford in England. Wish I was able to see them operate.
Hello John, I had the fantastic opportunity of working on the U-2 at Beale in 1988. This was a joint Intel mission with the Air Force. While there, I got a tour of the SR-71 by the Base Commander. Got to see these amazing Blackbirds in action. What a slick looking aircraft, very futuristic, even today. The largest jet engines I have ever seen. I see you're a retired Air Force Master Sargent and you're from Delaware. You ever worked at Dover Air Base? My wife's cousin is a retired Air Force Load Master. Been to Dover a lot of times. The Blackbird is truly an amazing creation and when you see it in action, it's difficult to find the right words to describe it. Vet (Navy)
Yup I spent 17 years of my career at Dover. C5 and C17 loadmaster. I did see the U2 a few times at Osan Korea, from a distance while working on my plane on the flight line.
I've been told, many years ago (70's or earlier) the U-2's flew out of eastern Japan. I've been stationed in Japan. Been to Soul Korea too. Dover, great Air Base. Thank you for your service, one Vet to another.
The Smithsonian's Blackbird set the transcontinental speed record (68 minutes) on it's delivery and last flight to the Smithsonian. I believe VET is correct about the '71 being based in Japan. I also believe that it picked up it's nickname - Habu there. Finally ,I saw a TV interview with a former SR-71 pilot who said that if you wanted to save fuel, fly faster. I thought that was BS until I scored a Pratt & Whitney jet engine classroom manual. It turns out that the super high speed of the aircraft takes almost all of the aerodynamic load off of the engines' compressor section. The air is coming into the intake ducts fast enough the the engine doesn't need to compress it, Virtually all of the heat and air velocity goes directly into thrust, and there are movable aerodynamic cones in the air inlet ducts to slow the airflow and direct it around the engines' compressors.
