The Pratt & Whitney J58 - The Engine of the SR-71 Blackbird
2022 ж. 25 Там.
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Attend our next SR-71 Spy-posium: www.airzoo.org/sr-71-spy-posium
The Air Zoo is a world-class, Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science museum, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with over 100 air and space artifacts, inspiring interactive exhibits, full-motion flight simulators, indoor amusement park rides, a theater and over 100 education programs!
Forget influencers kids. These are the real heroes you need to emulate right here
Influemediocrity kids? Or influemoron kids? or influeadhd kids? or influecluess kids? or influedumb kids? or influeuseless kids? Yep!
Absolutely. Degenerate heroes for the kids these days courtesy of big tech.
This is in my saved videos… keeps coming around anyway !
Absolutely
I could not agree more ! 👍🏻 this man is a rockstar of the engine and engineering world ! If you want to do truly great things in life, this is the man you want to be like. His love for this engine and everything to do with it is very clear and I am absolutely fascinated by anything about the Blackbird SR71 and I have been from the first second I knew of it’s existence , I could listen to him talk about it forever! 😄
A man like this is a national treasure. His knowledge and experience is priceless.
These are the men behind American excellence in technology and innovation. Unfortunately, it's not cool to be a man anymore lol
In my opinion, the SR-71 is the finest work of engineering blended with art ever created. This story is 100% amazing.
I would put that second to the Space Shuttle though.
@@kandaman304The space shuttle was an engineering failure. Don't get me wrong I love The space shuttle and it's what made me fall in love with space exploration. But NASA was not given enough money and due to political pressure created a dangerous and inefficient space launch platform.
@@eliterager9241 It was poorly managed due to greed and corruption but nevertheless it was an inspiration to many.
I agree. I'd also like to add the Ducati 996/998 as a worthy addition. The form of the SR71 and Ducati 986/998 both were the result of the engineering input necessary required achieve a specific result. Lockheed & Ducati both did not use one additional item/fastener or material that wasn't necessary to meet the desired outcome.
Just pure science, the "artwork" is subjective and the science is objective. 😅
Around 2/3 of engineering students will either drop out or change majors. Engineering is hard, but damn is it amazing. This guy is absolutely awesome.
90%droput rate here
Haha I started in Engineering at Clemson, did well in engineering but the calculus and chemistry killed me because I didnt apply myself. Switched to Business Administration lol. Still got good use of my degree though, and enjoyed economics, finance, etc.
My Dad was an aeronautical engineer. I got none of his math ability.
Maybe those 2/3 that did not make it should be assigned as whistle blowers. Engineers that make it are not perfect. But they sure get offered wonderful credentials which put them in an ivory tower. Unless you design a world trade center slab support or a Space Shuttle. Oops...
The way he explains everything, with so much love for it, it makes me smile, and it's so much more entertaining, you can see how much he loves talking about it, amazing!
I agree!
How can he not be passionate about it? He said spent 20 years of his life on it. But I agree it’s nice seeing people energetic about things like this.
Love your work and it isn't work
Yes he was great. If it wasn’t for men and women like them there would be no great air aircraft that saved America. Most of America only thinks of the pilots as the heroes. They are only the bus drivers of the sky. If it weren’t for the people who built those planes, and those who keep them ready to fly, there would be no famous pilots. Thank you for those who made the hero’s possible.
You took the mouth right out of my words. Beautiful job!
What a beautiful interview.
One of the pilots, Brian,( surname unknown) gave an amazing interview, describing a typical training flight.
@@enduser63 Brian Shul.
So content dense and well spoken
Hey destin! Agreed. Love to hear from someone who knows what they're talking about; an expert in their respective field. I can tell he has a lot of pride for having worked with this engine, as well he should. The sr71 is just badass, no two ways about it. Plus the engineering that went into it is staggering.
what material they use for these jet engines because if so much power is put into them will it not burn???
As a gear head, it warms my heart to know that some old school drag racers working at Pratt & Whitney had to brainstorm how to jump-start this monster.
Yeah but no more galaxy engines. No-one in this gang never flew a Chinook with the pony start turbine? It will split your ear drum but it works.
I'm a mechanical engineer in the nuclear industry and the way you describe this with the passion you do reminds me why I became an engineer.
Tell me about it...am not surprised.
Thats what i want to go to school for. Im just concerned because im already 24yo and i didnt try in high school so my gpa is trash. Im in tech school rn for Mechanical Engineering Technology which is basically drafting and cnc programming with a little extra thrown in. Its free so figured id at least get that done. Im also a machinist so its a very nice addition to my current career. But still my goal is a bachelors in mechanical engineering. Hope i can make it and afford it.
Post degree or untrue
Could be a fitter@@GookSquadGaming
@@-PlayMaker-Don't ever let age get in the way. I became a journeyman at 40 years old.
This guy is great. His passion is contagious. What an engine. What a plane. What a time.
So so true Will
What is cold war? It is a era that there is no limit for creativity and innovation, NASA used the main frame with 2 whole MB of memory , sent three men to the moon. Now, all we have is Jeff and his blue dildo.
The engine and plane were great. The time? Eeeh, not so much. Remember, we were close to nuclear holcaust every other Saturday...
Couldn’t have said it better myself. The 🦨 works program has proven itself time & time again. The SR-71 Blackbird being the cream of the crop for about 40 years +\- until the release of the Stealth. Love it!
Without having read your comment, I also commented: "What a legacy; what stories. What an aircraft." Superlatives all around.
I worked with Arnie in his years after the J58. We worked together on the 220E program among others. A truly great guy to work with, he even helped me get promoted to take his former position in Business Development. Hope you see this Arnie because I was so happy to see you out there spreading your knowledge and enthusiasm! Take care my friend!
Thanks for your service! What an amazing project
I lived in West Palm Beach while growing up. A neighbor across the street named Bob/Robert, great guy whom I miss talking to, mentioned one day that he had worked at Pratt & Whitney for the Blackbird engine, though I just can’t remember what he said he did for the project. I don’t think I ever knew his last name, or at least can’t remember it now 15 years later. Bob, even in his old age, used to ride his bike around Palm Beach county for 15-20 miles per trip. I used to always see him around random places on his bike then I’d get back home and chat with him for a bit. I wonder if you gents worked with him
@@-Ncrypt Sorry, I never worked the J58 program myself so did not know him
Was c300 maraging steel around then? Seems like it woulda been a perfect candidate for something like this engine
@@kodylaird9342 interesting. Lots of interesting steels are amazingly used throughout Jet Engines. I can’t think of any c300 right off hand though. Seen everything from 1 1/4 Cr through m-152. British engine love that. Various 400 series throughout most US engines. Of course, my personal experience is mainly end of life I’m sure the newer generations are more composite and honeycomb materials where they can and especially in the bypass housings
As far as I'm concerned, every engineer who contributed to the Blackbird is an absolute genius. It was absurdly far ahead of its time.
My brain cannot wrap my head around the skill and knowledge of these engineers and their ability to create something like this. Absolutely insane
lots of failures and tests and wasted prototypes.
I could listen to him talk about this engine all day! Pitched at a perfect technical level. This guy knows exactly what he's talking about. This engine represents an enormous technical leap.
Is this the zenith of American aerospace technology?
@@982spyder5 Yes, if you compare the times when it was developed and built. If a plane capable of cruise at twice SR71's speed was developed today (with current technology, chips, CNC, lasers, sensors, etc, etc), it would be great. But, it is almost unbelievable that a plane like SR71 was designed and developed in late 50's with technology of that time. SR71 was a greater feat in its time, than the hipothetical Mach 6 plane would be today.
He would have made a great teacher...
@@982spyder5 one Acronym UFO 🛸
Its a shame this level of engineering and efficiency hasnt been applied to other areas of technology in our lives.(automotive/trains/power generation)
The engineering behind this entire plane is incredible, considering just about everything was calculated by hand. This man in a gem. Great story teller.
very ahead of it's time
Slide rules. Wooden Analog handheld calculators
My D is awesome but it never gets any action 😞. I also like Solidworks, Linux environment, Vim editor, Cadence, Thermodynamics. Life is life afterall.
@@himanshusingh5214 what are you talking about, bro?
Me, fiddling with my 3D printer: "You know, I'm something of an engineer myself." 😏
Being a pilot all my life, I’ve come to realise the real experts are the ones that can explain the most complex scenarios or technicalities in the simplest of ways. And here is one of those rare gems. On a separate note, these guys developed the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs back when colour TV was barely available. Look just how good American ambition, industry and science was back then. Be proud of that heritage. It’s pretty astonishing.
My grandfather used to run a machine at Pratt and Whitney!!! I miss him dearly. He passed many years ago! I'm not a cnc machinist!
This guy is a national treasure. Unbelievable how passionate he is about this project.
Not unbelievable, sir. All of us that worked on technology's edge are extremely passionate about or airplanes and weapons systems. I had 17 total years on the F-111 and the amazing things it did was unfortunately overlooked by history and political leaders. Luckily there are some systems that received their accolades such as the Blackbird and rightfully so. There may yet be a plane that will equal its speed and ability but it will never be done in the same way, with gut innovation nor draw that same passion and awe.
@@paulholmes1303 Australia has not forgotten what the F-111 could do. We are now racing to get back the reach that it provided us and that we no longer have.
@@FishandHunt It is a twist of fate that the F-111 was the reason the SR-71 blackbird program was scrapped prematurely just before satellite technology took over quite a period later. "Probably the greatest leap of aircraft technology ever & designed with a slide rule. The fate of these aircraft were sealed in 1968 when, then Secretary of State, Robert McNamara ordered Lockheed to destroy all machinery and tooling associated with making these aircraft (so that no new aircraft could never again be made. It is rumored that McNamara did this to eliminate competition of his 'pet' project, the F-111). Thus no new parts could be made and, after the inventory of whatever parts were available, had to be cannibalized from existing airframes. The aircraft were retired in 1991 over many objections from many officials that the aircraft were still needed."
He is amazing. Many people like him and the passion he has is the reason the project has not been eclipsed today. I have had the pleasure of sitting in the cockpit at the museum of flight in Seattle. Absolutely phenomenal. Could not imagine traveling over 3 times the speed of sound in that. Also, Look up the SR-71 story from Major Brian Shul about "the king of speed".
@@azzajohnson2123 After retiring our F-111's in December of 2010 without a replacement for their long range strike capability and with a growingly aggressive and dangerous threat to our north we are concerned. Almost 12 years after their retirement we still have not got back to the capability that we lost on the day of their retirement. They were nick-named the 'pig' in Australia.
This engineer does just a superb job of explaining the complexity of the J58 engine in layman's terms. You can tell he enjoyed his profession. Well done sir!
I have a pretty decent knowledge of piston engines, and a very limited knowledge of turbines. I've read about this engine as a part of a class and seen a lecture on it. Looked up some stuff. Thought it was impressive, but I moved on. There were a few moments in this video where the lightbulb went off because he explained it so well and it really sank in how genius this engine and the plane built around it were. This thing was... 20, maybe 40 years ahead of its time. I've heard that before but this is the first time I'm understanding how and why. It's suchhh a "simple" design, albeit with complex solutions to make that simple overall design work. Incredible.
Best explanation so far!!!
@@MrBen527Agreed. Even someone like me with next to zero knowledge of jet engines was able to follow and understand his explanations clearly. Truly amazing to explain something very complex in simple terms!
Those people who designed that were absolutely brilliant. Such a bright spot in our history.
Now we import the brains with the H1B visa and they return to China etc... with their knowledge
We need to hear more Arnie please. I was hooked to every word. More Arnie, more Arnie ❤
Kelly Johnson’s brain child
My father worked as a process engineer at Bendix Corporation in South Bend, IN. They helped develop the hydraulic fuel controls for this engine. He was very proud of the contributions he and his coworkers made to this project.
I'm sure he was, and rightly so.
@Peter Angles hi BENDIX, has MANY revisions, @ ETEB, they are in ALTIMETERS, etc,,,you know RONSON LIGHTERS, ,eh ? Well they also made some real serious hydraulic systems for landing gears, that I only knew because I did much A/C WORK for then in the 60 s. & 70s those items were in main office, but in WOODBRIDGE NJ, they ONLY made aerosol can fuels, Stay well, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@Peter Angles That too! Bendix Aviation was a big part of the operation in South Bend too. They made aircraft brakes and struts, fuel controls, etc.
@Peter Angles I was just going to say, I had an old Chrysler minivan (93?) that had a Bendix ABS brake system, and they had a recall for it failing. In the back of my mind I always dreaded getting that failure. There was no real repairs for it, if I recall correctly, because it was either prohibitively expensive, or it might fail again. I lucked out myself, but many others around me didn't.
I appreciate the fact that this man volunteers his time to talk about and educate people on this marvel of engineering. It also speaks volumes about how much he enjoyed his work!
Yep when retired you’ll do that I’m sure closely gardened secrets in there to
Does anyone know this mans name? He is my hero, I would have loved to be involved with him and his crew back then...!
I love how he asked for questions early on, but said, screw it, I have more stories... This man is a national treasure.
Not enough of these geniuses get to explain their super human experiences. It was so entertaining to listen to his story.
I flew P-3s in the Navy. I'll never forget taking off behind a SR-71 on Okinawa in '89 or so.... When it went to full blowers, the flames out the back were at least 15-20'. When it rotated, the flames ricocheted off the tarmac. What power!
I saw a Concorde take off once, I'm guessing it's a similar feeling.
I could listen to this man for hours on end. He's passion and knowledge for and about the plain is just astounding
You should hear what he has to say about the savannah!
@@triumphdollysprint wonder what his thoughts are on valleys and plateaus.
Come to Palmdale one day to the Joe Davies Airpark at Plant 42. There's an A12 and SR71 with a J58 on display.
It's the mountains where his knowledge peaks.
@@EasyMoneySG he gets pretty deep talking about valleys. Always seems pretty flat when discussing plateaus, but his knowledge is still expansive!
I have heard alot of stories from pilots but never from the engineers. This was really awsome. These guys were as big of a hero as any of the pilots.
Pilot stories are boring, all of them bragging abouy accelerating away from interceptors or missiles. Engineers and mechanica have the real stories.
@@DanSlotea I agree on that. But that makes me sound selfish, since am an engineer too.
Air zoo is one of the best museums I have been to
I'm a Air Force veteran and the SR-71 is my favorite aircraft. I enjoyed every minute of this interview.
This engine, with everything that happened around it, is part of this gentleman's life. You can see it in his eyes and see it in him, it's love. I really liked the "they paid me to work on this !!!" He is part of history himself.
Seriously... my Dad used to build P-51C/D down in Miami when country's would buy them for their Airforce programs in the early 60s, usually island or S. American countries. I thought that was just the coolest job when I was little, building & tuning up those Merlin supercharged beasts in the most beautiful plane of its time & almost all time ! Its crazy how the military would fit them in those moving&storage crates ! I thought that was a great gig... this is Lockheed's SR-71, it flat out, out ran Soviet Era missles, if they actually caught up to her they'd run out of gas... unreal, 70k feet & a space ship that could land, she's just gorgeous if you get to see her up close ! Breathe taking no doubt ! Glad this got posted, it really brought knowledge & memories back. Thanks
This engine is his legacy, it's what he will leave behind. Other than maybe his children, this is what he is most proud of, and he should be proud because it was a monumental achievement. You know you did something right when 45 years later in 2022, the air breathing jet aircraft world speed record that was set by the SR-71 in 1976 is still the world record, it has never been beaten. It also still holds the maximum sustained altitude record. While other aircraft have exceeded the record using "zoom" climbs where the aircraft technically coasts up to an apogee by first accelerating to a high supersonic speed, then trading the kinetic energy of forward motion for altitude.
@@racerex340 I don't think many parents could rattle off that many facts and keep it interesting talking about their kids.
That engine and the whole A12/SR71 programs are the 8th wonder of the world.
One of the best engines, we never were supposed to know about. My fav plane.
That man makes me proud to be American. A true engineer …. After an illustrious career, he is still excited and enthusiastic about this amazing technology.
This is an excellent presentation, very informative, given by Arnie Gunderson, the world’s most knowledgable expert on the J-58, the engines which powered the SR-71. I flew the SR-71 for over 10 years and never had an engine discrepancy; I attribute that good fortune directly to Arnie!
You too must have amazing stories, although from what I understand from Arnie's funny story is that the _sled_ was not an aircraft to play around with: you got it up to designed cruise speed, watched the parameters and route, maybe marvel a bit at the dark sky and curvature of the Earth while sipping your lunch through the orifice in your space suit, and then decelerated back to comprehensible speeds for landing. From his explanation about the bypass air going around the core engine and being injected into the afterburner, I think this is by definition a stato-reactor, is it not? This J-58 would be then a combined turbo-stato-reactor in fact?
@@lxndrlbr Thanks for the observation, and you described the way we flew the SR-71 very well. All of those reactions were accurate. I don't know the technical term: "turbo-stato-reactor," so I couldn't comment on its applicability to the J-58.
@@bcthomas2h90 Sorry for the mistranslation (I am French) I meant a turbojet (compressor + ignition + turbine) in the core J-58 plus a ramjet (compressed air by inlet and aerodynamic pressure + ignition + divergent nozzle) in the nacelle. This design gives me a deeper appreciation for nacelle design!
@@lxndrlbr Yes, I would say that is a good thumbnail description of the process.
Please divulge the actual top speed.
He is one of the lucky ones. You can see the excitement in his eyes that he loved what he was doing. People often forget the most important thing in life when choosing a career path, doing something you love, and finding someone to pay you for it. Incredible story.
It's the worst advice you can give someone if you live in a strong capitalist society. Doing the work you love will never pay you well enough to live comfortably. The hard jobs with responsibility is what pays!
@@Vyker Not true. Reality is ironic. In my career Ive watched the hardest working people get pushed harder and harder with no pay increase in fact the got less pay while the laziest get promoted and increased pay. Myself being the lazy one lol. This guy's story is a dream and absolutely fascinating. Im jealous.
@@jasonmillner6416 When I was young I was poor but after a lifetime of hard work I am no longer young.
@@randyhanson837 Amen.
Well said! Same thing I told my boy. Pick a career that is realistic and can earn you a living but more importantly a job you love to do. Otherwise you will be miserable everyday working.
Man I could listen to this guys stories for hours. He was extremely lucky to work on one of the coolest aircraft ever made
My uncle Ed was a engineer at Pratt Whitney in WPB Fla in 70s n 80s Edgar Robertson was his name he was a HUGE guy super tall too RIP😢he was a gentle giant
Strongly suspect you're hearing a truly excellent engineer when they utter the phrase "I got to ." They are saying they are grateful to have played a part in creating and perfecting a thing that benefited us all. They are saying they were a member of a team. If they were leading it - as here - it will be mentioned in passing, again as a gift. Nearly every time - as in this case - they'll go on to humbly explain the amazing thing with immense expertise and eloquence. Thank God for truly competent people and their selfless service to mankind.
Truth.
You are right to a point. This was a military machine, debatable how much benefit humanity has derived from this exercise.
@@turrafirmaguitarchannel Heh. Many depict all military development as evil until something like Ukraine happens, then are quiet. I lived through and actually fought in the Cold War. This recon airplane may well be one reason big chunks of the world never became a glowing cinder.
@@generessler6282 Thank you, Gene. :thumbsup
Not a snowflake in sight
Still my favorite airplane of all time. This man is a National Treasure with the information he has and the service he brought to the country. Thank you sir!
How are you doing, can I have your contact so that we can talk more?
@@maccedorejoice3981 looks like you’ve been making the same comments to others as well as me! Fake account?
@@dibaz1 nope my account is not fake ,I just need a friend here , trust me
Exactly my thoughts, Kevin.
What a top man. Knows his stuff and communicates it well.
Having an SR71 in my local evergreen aviation and space museum makes being the biggest fan of these so easy! Those glorious bypass tubes made all the difference!
They have the best display anywhere including the Buick wildcat start cart! Amazing
@bigbaddms I was trying to get a cold start on the cart but sadly was denied lol
@@rickybobby7285 yeah I can imagine! Next ask for a cold start on the Titan II 😂🤩
@@bigbaddms I really do wish they had the cockpit accessible to people
I worked at Excello in Orlando, Florida from 1983-1986. In 1985 one of the plants up north went on strike and all the production equipment was moved to Orlando and set up to make the stage 1 and stage 2 compressor blades for this engine. I was the one chosen to do the set up and production of these blades. The forgings were made from titanium. Every time I go into an air museum and see the engine on the cart, there's a good chance I made some of the blades in this engine.
Meh dad, and I as well worked at excellent. When my dad retired, he got fucked for pensions that providence company bout out budny. Old polish guy the whole plant polish. Great engineering and grinding plus or minus 2 tenths. For civies that's 0.0001 to 0.00002 tolerance. That's insane I worked from 77 to 78 summer job program high school great place man too bad they sold out
Cool to hear this. I worked a brief time as an inspector at a titanium wing spar manufacturer on Long Island. Another example of how socialist unions and thinkers have undermined the nation systemically for decades. Stopping work that provides the very protection for our nation and now forced our best innovators and industrialists to walk away and set up abroad.
@@geokeyey1116 Dude, *NO ONE* cares! I’m serious.
Mr Harnish, what alloys did they use to make the high-pressure turbine blades for this unique powerful engine, and what was the turbine entry temperature ?
I've worked with Arnie. He was always very passionate about his time at P&W and this program. Nice to see he has found a place to share his stories with everyone.
Thanks, Darrin! We had good times as well.
What an absolute master art piece of engineering. The SR-71 is my favorite plane of all time, since I can remember.
Love to sit and pick his brain for awhile. What a great feeling it must be to be part of the SR71 history. You can tell he's proud of it.
Just when I thought the SR71 couldn’t get any cooler…learning that it used 2 V8 engines as starters 🤯…Arnie sir you are a national treasure.
I worked as an SR-71 jet engine mechanic from 87 till its retirement and have never seen anyone explain everything so clearly in such a short manner. Would have loved to have met him and learned from him while I was working on the J58. One thing I would tend to disagree with is that he states that working with the lines was easy. Not so much. Everything on that engine is built very durably and wants to fight you, especially when ops wants the plane back in a hurry and everything you touch is hot as hell. Let’s just say a mechanic’s world and an engineer’s world are two very different places. Great experience listening to him! I learned a lot.
It’s that way on cars too Like what jackass designed a car that you have to take the wheel and shock on one side to change the alternator or change the damn headlight It’s one reason . They don’t have to work on it
Great perspective. Thanks for your service
Nice insights.
XRP When exactly would the information that Arnie is generously sharing with us be declassified. How does that work. Are the inner workings of this plane automatically declassified the same day the program was discontinued? Thank you for your time.
Welcome to aviation (joke). After working on GA I have come up with a saying, "the only thing easy about a plane is to crash it".
I just can't imagine how amazing the engineering behind this, with the engine expansion for 6" length, 2.5" diameter, it still can running well
I really enjoyed listening to this respectable engineer 👍👏👏
People like this gentleman should been seen as celebrity not the guff we have around now. If it was down to me, I'd make sure social media was full of videos like this showing off the best in science, engineering, invention so you could inspire future generations. Thank you for a fantastic presentation.
Right?! I bet this guy doesn't have many Instagram followers despite being a living legend who was part of one of the greatest human accomplishments ever. That's just wrong. Seems we need to revisit our priorities.
When I got hired at Pratt, there’s a sign hanging in the hallway of the engineering building that reads something like “through these halls walked some of the world’s best propulsion systems engineers”. I am paraphrasing, can’t recall the exact words, but It was such an emotional motivational sign to walk pass everyday going to my desk. I had mentors like this gentleman throughout my Pratt career and it made things a lot more exciting, just the love for the product
I remember that banner in the engineering building. Saddens me to see Willgoose turbine labs gone. & GOD do I miss watching the 727's leave from the runway when was working over in the Klondike.
Well considering this guy said 40x15 is 6000 some psi.. i would take that sign down
What they accomplished is truly amazing. “ HOW DO YOU EAT AN ELEPHANT? ONE BITE AT A TIME ! So many details to work out to make the engine run so efficiently. And they were loving it .
@@brandonlewis9531 Well the man is brilliant, not perfect, and there is a difference.
@@briggsquantum wouldn’t call someone who can’t do simple mental math “brilliant”
Gotta love it when people are passionate about their job and know their stuff. Fascinating. The world needs more men like that guy.
This man is so smart it hurts my brain. I’m so grateful we have people with such pure love and enthusiasm for what they do. I hope there is something coming along behind him to take his place and continue his journey.
This is the best talk I have ever heard from anyone on sr71 systems. I never got to meet him. A true HERO here in our view. This man and people in his company are ones who deserve medals. My hat is off to you sir.
I agree Mike. He is amazing. I honestly don't understand very much of what he was saying but I was glued to my phone just listening to him talk. It was impressive for sure.
Colonel Richard Graham (usaf ret) is often down at Frontiers of Flight at Love Field in Dallas/Ft Worth. he was my wing commander at Beale (9th SRW) and he commanded the wing that flew the SR-71, was 1SRS squadron commander that flew the SR-71 and a pilot of the SR-71. if you catch him when he's there, he has hours of knowledge and stories to tell.
This video is a treasure. I have read the book on the Skunkworks, and this perspective from the engine manufacturer’s engineer helps round out more of the story surrounding that program. I never thought about the challenges they had to overcome such as the extreme (cooling!) heat surrounding the engine, controls pre-dating computers, inventing alloys that I’ve just heard for the first time here, and 6” of longitudinal thermal expansion! We joke about “unobtainium” a lot, but this is what lots of government money and high priority can achieve. What an engineering accomplishment!
As a life long machinist I have worked with some of exotic materials mentioned in the video. Titanium cuts like stainless and is a joy to work with. Just don't start a delta fire in your chip bin. The cooling systems are reminiscent to rocket motors where they use the fuel to cool the nozzle and other parts from melting. I've seen the actual SpaceX drawing for the raptor engine fuel pump rotor and it is wild. I am so amazed by what people did back then with only slide rules and creativity.
Absolutely amazed about the expansion of this behemoth. Thanks to everyone at the AirZoo. (AZO)
BEST video about SR 71 and J58 that I have ever seen. This man clearly knows the exact details, rings so true! Thank you to this man and all involved with this project, for such wonderful work for the USA. 🏁🇺🇸🇺🇸🏁
As a retired USAF jet mech, this video warms my heart. 🥰 Jet Noise = The Sound of Freedom
I could listen to this guy forever
If anyone wonders why engineers do what we do, this video lets you know. It's why we never grow up, we just get older and never stop getting excited about the technology. The J-58 is a legend but it only got to be like that because of people like this who believed it was possible to do it.
Can't believe, with all the "content" there is on KZhead/social media; I just sat here and listened to a man speak for 25 mins. What a great guy.
I love the Blackbird. I remember seeing it at Norton AFB at an airshow for the 1st time. It was amazing. San Bernardino to Canada in 20 minutes. There's nothing that can touch it.
Old guys like this are so cool! It makes me sad that when his generation is gone, we will lose a LOT of really interesting stories.
Why saying that?
Not only stories but mainly wisdom! No one can replace these old guys who were used to live for their jobs. Men are no longer willing and allowed (by society and spouses) to have such an approach which was quite normal in the past.
@@maccedorejoice3981 because it's true lol they don't make gentleman like this anymore. Sure there is some brilliant minds up and coming but they aren't the same sort of disposition or have the same sort of passion, or knowledge of historical moments and milestones in history. This guy is like the encyclopaedia of this engine just from his memory and brain. Total gem!
@@maccedorejoice3981 Because most of these types of stories and knowledge is not captured anywhere so it's lost when they are gone.
@@Jarek_73 your right
It’s a gift to explain complex engineering in terms that everyone can understand. Incredible.
I agree. Having studied engineering myself I can appreciate professors who could teach this stuff in such a way to actually make sense. More sense than reading a textbook full of graphs, theory and equations.
Its great to hear the kids on the background so excited by this place😊
Amazing. This is the true power of KZhead. The ability to hear incredible stories and tutorials like this.
You can tell that he's really proud of the work he did on this engine. I am absolutely blown away by the engineering of this engine.
So funny that he asked if there were any questions, and as an afterthought, told the most amazing stories ever. I could listen to this guys stories by the hour.
I could listen to this homeboy talk all day long.
Me too, he tells the story so effortlessly it’s like you are there working on that thing with him!👍🏼
As an inspector for P&WA for 35+ years that's retiring soon. This is truly the most bad ass engine they ever made. Proud to have seen the best years of their work. They couldn't make it nowadays.
What’s sad is that there is so much institutional knowledge that will be lost when these guys are gone; so much respect for the engineers. We tend to focus on the drivers and forget the many, many others that built it and made it work
I assure you that the drivers never forget the maintenance folks and the engineers. Their expertise and devotion to duty saved our lives.
My Dad was a pilot. He said the ground felt that plane was theirs. They just loaned it out to the air crew temporarily.
What a fantastic career this guy has had. I hope he can inspire his grandkids and the next generation
True
Every time I watch a video about the SR-71 I’m always blown away that this was designed and built during the 1960’s. Even to this day, it still looks like a newly designed aircraft.
The expansion factor was so great, fuel would leak all through the frame from the fuel cell at high speed. The J58 is by far the best engineering success design for super sonic travel. Amazing commentary.
The SR71 is an engineering marvel, and is one of the most awesome aeroplanes ever built.
And Still Is
Amazing what people can do when it comes to killing others. This only exists for military use.
As much as I love the SR71, the XB70 still takes the cake...
This man gives an absolute masterclass in how to explain complicated engineering concepts in the most simplest way - and he does it with a smile. My 8 year old boy and girl is going to hear this guy when I play it for them and they're going to take their first step into the mechanical world!
Your kids can now learn more on the internet than 99% of college students can paying $100k a year..
Fascinating. I love that KZhead allows us to hear these personal stories.
What a guy, complete expert in his field. Not a wasted word, pure information. :)
Please do more long form videos like this, these expert explanations are so interesting!!
There were a lot of things we couldn't do in an SR-71, but we were the fastest guys on the block and loved reminding our fellow aviators of this fact. People often asked us if, because of this fact, it was fun to fly the jet. Fun would not be the first word I would use to describe flying this plane. Intense, maybe. Even cerebral. But there was one day in our Sled experience when we would have to say that it was pure fun to be the fastest guys out there, at least for a moment. It occurred when Walt and I were flying our final training sortie. We needed 100 hours in the jet to complete our training and attain Mission Ready status. Somewhere over Colorado we had passed the century mark. We had made the turn in Arizona and the jet was performing flawlessly. My gauges were wired in the front seat and we were starting to feel pretty good about ourselves, not only because we would soon be flying real missions but because we had gained a great deal of confidence in the plane in the past ten months. Ripping across the barren deserts 80,000 feet below us, I could already see the coast of California from the Arizona border. I was, finally, after many humbling months of simulators and study, ahead of the jet. I was beginning to feel a bit sorry for Walter in the back seat. There he was, with no really good view of the incredible sights before us, tasked with monitoring four different radios. This was good practice for him for when we began flying real missions, when a priority transmission from headquarters could be vital. It had been difficult, too, for me to relinquish control of the radios, as during my entire flying career I had controlled my own transmissions. But it was part of the division of duties in this plane and I had adjusted to it. I still insisted on talking on the radio while we were on the ground, however. Walt was so good at many things, but he couldn't match my expertise at sounding smooth on the radios, a skill that had been honed sharply with years in fighter squadrons where the slightest radio miscue was grounds for beheading. He understood that and allowed me that luxury. Just to get a sense of what Walt had to contend with, I pulled the radio toggle switches and monitored the frequencies along with him. The predominant radio chatter was from Los Angeles Center, far below us, controlling daily traffic in their sector. While they had us on their scope (albeit briefly), we were in uncontrolled airspace and normally would not talk to them unless we needed to descend into their airspace. We listened as the shaky voice of a lone Cessna pilot asked Center for a readout of his ground speed. Center replied: "November Charlie 175, I'm showing you at ninety knots on the ground." Now the thing to understand about Center controllers, was that whether they were talking to a rookie pilot in a Cessna, or to Air Force One, they always spoke in the exact same, calm, deep, professional, tone that made one feel important. I referred to it as the " Houston Center voice." I have always felt that after years of seeing documentaries on this country's space program and listening to the calm and distinct voice of the Houston controllers, that all other controllers since then wanted to sound like that, and that they basically did. And it didn't matter what sector of the country we would be flying in, it always seemed like the same guy was talking. Over the years that tone of voice had become somewhat of a comforting sound to pilots everywhere. Conversely, over the years, pilots always wanted to ensure that, when transmitting, they sounded like Chuck Yeager, or at least like John Wayne. Better to die than sound bad on the radios. Just moments after the Cessna's inquiry, a Twin Beech piped up on frequency, in a rather superior tone, asking for his ground speed. "I have you at one hundred and twenty-five knots of ground speed." Boy, I thought, the Beechcraft really must think he is dazzling his Cessna brethren. Then out of the blue, a navy F-18 pilot out of NAS Lemoore came up on frequency. You knew right away it was a Navy jock because he sounded very cool on the radios. "Center, Dusty 52 ground speed check". Before Center could reply, I'm thinking to myself, hey, Dusty 52 has a ground speed indicator in that million-dollar cockpit, so why is he asking Center for a readout? Then I got it, ol' Dusty here is making sure that every bug smasher from Mount Whitney to the Mojave knows what true speed is. He's the fastest dude in the valley today, and he just wants everyone to know how much fun he is having in his new Hornet. And the reply, always with that same, calm, voice, with more distinct alliteration than emotion: "Dusty 52, Center, we have you at 620 on the ground." And I thought to myself, is this a ripe situation, or what? As my hand instinctively reached for the mic button, I had to remind myself that Walt was in control of the radios. Still, I thought, it must be done - in mere seconds we'll be out of the sector and the opportunity will be lost. That Hornet must die, and die now. I thought about all of our Sim training and how important it was that we developed well as a crew and knew that to jump in on the radios now would destroy the integrity of all that we had worked toward becoming. I was torn. Somewhere, 13 miles above Arizona, there was a pilot screaming inside his space helmet. Then, I heard it. The click of the mic button from the back seat. That was the very moment that I knew Walter and I had become a crew. Very professionally, and with no emotion, Walter spoke: "Los Angeles Center, Aspen 20, can you give us a ground speed check?" There was no hesitation, and the replay came as if was an everyday request. "Aspen 20, I show you at one thousand eight hundred and forty-two knots, across the ground." I think it was the forty-two knots that I liked the best, so accurate and proud was Center to deliver that information without hesitation, and you just knew he was smiling. But the precise point at which I knew that Walt and I were going to be really good friends for a long time was when he keyed the mic once again to say, in his most fighter-pilot-like voice: "Ah, Center, much thanks, we're showing closer to nineteen hundred on the money." For a moment Walter was a god. And we finally heard a little crack in the armor of the Houston Center voice, when L.A.came back with, "Roger that Aspen, Your equipment is probably more accurate than ours. You boys have a good one." It all had lasted for just moments, but in that short, memorable sprint across the southwest, the Navy had been flamed, all mortal airplanes on freq were forced to bow before the King of Speed, and more importantly, Walter and I had crossed the threshold of being a crew. A fine day's work. We never heard another transmission on that frequency all the way to the coast. For just one day, it truly was fun being the fastest guys out there. - Major Brian Shul kzhead.info/sun/a6WyeKxxfmubp2g/bejne.html
I don't know if this is true, but I sure loved reading it.
LOLS, WOW!
@@jeffhooper3447 of course I wasn’t the pilot, but it’s true. kzhead.info/sun/a6WyeKxxfmubp2g/bejne.html
Wow. Thank you for taking the time to share that!
Absolutely amazing and very great read and had me almost emotional and thinking that's right you guys became as one unit controlling this beast and a big hell yea who's your daddy when you guys asked for your ground speed and completely blew everyone out the air with 1842 knots!! Thank you and God bless for sharing this! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲👊
I just had the privilege of seeing the Blackbird in person recently, it's an absolute beast!😍😍😍
My uncle was in the Air Force during the Vietnam war and was a hydraulic man on the SR71 while stationed in Okinawa. He's told me some wild stories about the plane. He's still very proud to have been a part of the program.
Wow. How cool is it to have an enthusiastic and passionate person describing such an iconic engine, but they were also an engineer on the team that built it? This looks like the textbook example of doing what you love for a living. This did not feel like a 24 min video! Keep bringing content like this!
This man obviously loves talking about this engine and he makes it easy for a layperson to understand. I'm also struck by how much that engine looks like an H.R. Giger sculpture. What a wonderful video.
Wonder how much inspiration Giger got from stuff like this.
Be one with The Borg.
That engine was/is his baby!
I work in the trades and I've always been baffled by how engineers account for thermal expansion in designs so accurately. I love learning new things. Thanks for the video!
As an engineer I bow down to you Sir and your colleagues. This is an engineering masterpiece. The kind of innovation described here is what we the younger generation of engineers pray to have every waking moment of the day. Respect 🙏.
SR 71 is arguably the coolest piece of military technology and it doesn't even engage in direct fighting. Incredibly impressive aircraft
What blows my mind is that all this technology was developed in the 1960s using paper, pencils, and slide rules! Mind boggling!
They used torches, hammers, screwdrivers, welding and pipe benders too ;) And so many other things. But there was computers at ground labs, but these wasn't anything what we understand "computer". I believe they could be bigger and louder than engine what they designed.. Maybe used more power too from grid ;) But how "fast" those cp's were, like electric toothbrush, maybe..
It's actually on of the hottest military technology instead 😆
I don't know how this ended up in my feed, but I really enjoyed this man's passion about the project. His explanations were fantastic - engineering, but without being overwhelming. Great video.
Great documentary ! Geniuses are not just born today, we forget too quickly about those who were born before us. Progress is like a continuous fluid that comes out in small steps from the human mind, excellence is always needed who, with their intuition are able to compose the work.
I could be hours and hours in front of this legend, hearing all the stories and data about the SR-71. Amazing video.
The hydraulic computer is so impressive. The mind inside that man is a fountain of knowledge.
I went to a jet engine manufacturer's technical training course and the instructor brought up the hydromechanical fuel control's schematic. It was this huge multicolored complex map and he said "fuel comes in here, goes over here, and over to there" and traces out the letters PFM over the schematic. Pure F'n Magic. He did actually go into explaining it all, but it's crazy how much engineering goes into taking a half dozen input parameters and then scheduling the exact fuel flow. Not to mention all the fail-safes and redundancy that goes into it.
The level of tech that went into this thing is insane. Really makes you think about what we’re developing now more than 50 years later.
For our sake I hope you're correct. This great man most probably didn't just look at the development of this engine as a job, but as a patriotic duty to counter the USSR. Our tech industry which is critical to the defense of the U.S. and the West in general employs a bunch of America hating SJW's that protest working on military projects
I think in WW3 they will release that technology
50 years later, its way more hightech, more precise, more compact, more reliable ;). That you see this as hightech is mainly because you are not used to it ;)
Bingo. Makes you wonder what these companies and the US government have in black projects now. Some of these UAPs that pilots are seeing can possibly be tech we have now.
Unfortunately, the prices today have gone through the roof. Engineers back then had more smarts and used slide rules rather than depending upon software. Too many "program managers" these days. Compare SpaceX to NASA development and their budgets.
This guy is amazing. Kids yelling the whole time. Oh yeah, he built stuff too.
These are the people which made America truly great in the 20th century.
I was the last Tech. Lead on the fuel control systems on this engine. It was the highlight of my career more than 30 years ago. The people at P&W were the absolute best people I've ever worked with. Stan Dees was the head of the program in those days.
Give this guy 2 hours. What a great explanation of things. Thank you
Probably the first time in a year that I’ve actually been drawn in with such content. What an amazing story to tell, thank you sir!
I could listen to his stories all day. So much passion and enthusiasm. And amazing storytelling. And this is only a single aspect of the program. Just wow.
So could I. I love hearing details on this plane and its engine.
Very cool. At 11:24 I believe he misspoke concerning the 40:1 Pressure Ratio required for MACH 3.2, the pressures experienced in the aft duct work would be closer to +600 PSI, not 6000 PSI. So very fortunate to have Mr. Gunderson and his extensive experience explain the workings of the mighty P&W J58 Engine. What a fantastic walk-through of the theory, design and operation. By far the very best 24 minutes time spent for myself in a good long while. Thank You Air Zoo and thank you Mr. Gunderson.
40 times 15 is 600, I realized that and was looking to see if anyone else did, that being said I fix air conditioners for a living so I don’t know much of what he is talking about but it is extremely interesting.
@@Zelaznogsiul-63 Right there with you Luis. Perhaps the most amazing part is this engine was designed back in 1958! We are talking about a building full of Engineers wearing white short sleeved shirts w/Ties, pocket protectors, slide rules and most likely most smoking cigarettes'! Such an amazing accomplishment.
I think he’s just excited, I’ll let it slide…. This is far more detail with accuracy than was publicly available previously, most make many mistakes in assuming how it actually works, I think he did a fantastic job. We are fortunate to live in a country with men like this and the freedom to share our passion, truly phenomenal.
Funny because he said 600 then miscorrected himself.
@@Podus81 Indeed, I still found his presentation amazing. I'm gonna try and get over to the Air Zoo this coming weekend to check it out.
What a fantastic interview, Thanks
An engineer tied to the program, who also speaks fluent mouthbreather. Priceless. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🤟🏽🐻
11:22 you were right the first time :P it's 600. Man, this turbojet engine is such an amazing piece of machinery/engineering. It brings me back to the MRO days of repairing, maintaining and modifying all structural/airframe/fuselage related things. I remember the A320's had these metal channels by the pre-coolers that'd always crack and they were a pain in the ass to remove, transfer the holes on the new part and reinstall because of how dang HARD the material was (it chewed through cobalt drill bits like nothing). Removal was a mega pain because there were all these fuel lines in the way and the engines guys never removed them to give us access for the job unless they had to remove them for some workcard they had. One time a Bulgarian friend gifted me a carbide drill bit he had and my jaw dropped when I saw how easily I was able to drill out those rivets and transfer the holes on to the new part.