1. According to Bill, they called it either Area 51 or "The Ranch".

2. The tires were changed as needed (if a pilot got on the brakes too
hard) but averaged every 6 to 8 landings. They didn't have much tread,
and were made from a special high-temperature rubber by Goodyear -- who
"gave us a pretty good deal on the price..." (As compared to the
Blackbird's special hydraulic fluid, that cost $100 per quart, in the
early 1960s! It had to withstand 650 degrees at 3500 psi, and was
developed by the Louisiana State Engineering School.)

3. There are no Blackbirds operational. Clinton pulled the final plug
on the project.

4. There were 3 YF-12s built. The most accessible one is at
Wright-Pat, in the US Air Force museum.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"