This kind of unmanned aerial vehicle is more mysterious than Blackbird's high-altitude high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle, because it only appeared in actual combat four times after its successful appearance, and then disappeared from people's sight forever, and these four attacks were all aimed at Lop Nur, China, and they were all carried out in the three years from 1969 to197. Speaking of which, you may have guessed.
Therefore, under such circumstances, the D-2 1 unmanned reconnaissance aircraft developed by kelly johnson, the boss of Lockheed Skunk Company, and a secret elite team has been put into key use. After all, although this task sounds simple, it is extremely difficult. It is difficult to get confidential photos without being discovered by China. It's still very easy to say.
Compared with other UAVs, the shape of D-2 1 is really weird. With its dark color and strange shape of plane triangle, it is difficult to guess that this is a drone. Of course, it is precisely because of its special shape design that it can increase its concealment when performing tasks and will not be easily discovered. In addition, it can also complete the task of taking high-resolution photos. The plan really sounds foolproof.
At first, the U.S. military intended to let D-2 1 get a certain speed and altitude with the help of Lockheed M-2 1 transmitter, that is, to reach 3 times the speed of sound and an altitude of 28 kilometers, and then ignite the ramjet to complete the release, but this is very prone to accidents. In order to reduce losses, the US military abandoned the idea. Later, the target was placed on the B-52 bomber to help the D-2 1 UAV reach the ideal altitude and speed.
In this way, under constant testing, D-2 1 finally set foot on the road to Lop Nur, China. The first reconnaissance flight officially started in June, 1969, 1 1, but the result of bizarre disappearance was obtained. Three successful launches ended in failure, and no drone could return safely. After the mission failed completely.
And why is this drone that has only been publicly exposed four times known to the public? It turned out that it was discovered behind an air and space museum on the outskirts of Tucson, Arizona, USA. Lying on the desert dust are F-4 phantom ejection seats and worn-out CH-53 helicopters. According to the news, these military equipment originally belonged to Davis-Monson Air Force Base, and then it was recycled by the museum and reappeared in front of everyone.