The missing aircraft, tail number 844, has been absent from the NASA Armstrong center since at least May according to satellite imagery. Reviving the plane requires overcoming the discontinuation of JP-7 fuel for the J58 engines and a defunct supply chain for a fleet of only 32 ever-built aircraft. Tail 844 previously received digital control upgrades to reduce engine unstarts and continues to hold a 1976 speed record of 2,193 mph with the ability to cruise above 80,000 feet.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Story
NASA Recruits Former Staff for Secret SR-71 Blackbird Restart
Tech22 days ago
NASA has contacted a group of former SR-71A employees to help return the agency's retired supersonic aircraft to flight. This effort to revive the fleet follows reports of a clandestine operation to incorporate the spy plane into a new X-plane portfolio, coinciding with the disappearance of the last surviving flight-ready aircraft from its California display site. Administrator Jared Isaacman recently signaled the project by showing a photograph of the missing jet to agency staff during an internal briefing.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.