CIAさんのインスタグラム写真 - (CIAInstagram)「No, you're not seeing double, though we can understand why you're worried. These are in fact two entirely different planes. On the left we have CIA's A-12 OXCART and the @usairforce SR-71 Blackbird on the right. . CIA developed the highly secret A-12 OXCART (first image) as the U-2 spy plane’s successor, intended to meet the nation’s need for a very fast, very high-flying reconnaissance aircraft that could avoid Soviet air defenses. It became operational on November 12, 1965. . Not only did the A-12 prove its worth during its short operational life, but the overall OXCART project produced the second-longest-lasting aerial reconnaissance platform in US intelligence history: the SR-71. . The SR-71 Blackbird (second image) was the @usairforce two-seat follow-on version of the OXCART. In fact, the A-12 OXCART’s unique design and characteristics became the foundation for three other versions of supersonic aircraft that Lockheed built for CIA and the @usairforce: the YF-12A, the M-21, and of course, the SR-71. . In the end, the OXCART’s engineering innovations produced the two fastest, highest-flying, piloted jet aircraft ever (the A-12 and SR-71) and pioneered stealth technology that would later be adapted for use in subsequent aircraft. . Check out the virtual walking tour in our story to see more of the A-12 on display at headquarters. . . . #A12 #SR71 #flashbackfriday」5月23日 1時02分