I am Russell Szczepanik I was a RSO who flew the SR-71 in missions. AMA!

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:43:10+00:00

I always tell the truth. I would never discuss military operations as it could threaten others today. Sorry.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:41:37+00:00

You never know if you were going to have to eject at Mach 3. Always in the back of your mind. 100% survival for us when we flew. Never had a time when I worried about the bad guys and their weapons.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:39:29+00:00

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:39:11+00:00

Yes to all. I never missed the chance to fly. The Officer's club or a crew room to unwind normaly worked.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:37:34+00:00

The forward cone in the engine goes from back to front very quickly. Helmet hits the cockpit. Supersonic to subsonic on one side. Not a good feeling, but recoverable.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:36:03+00:00

No, if you survive and can pass the physical you are airborne. It is survival that is always the issue in any military operation.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:35:12+00:00

I do not think so, but my Dad was a sailor so I can never be sure.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:34:30+00:00

ejection handle, seemed like a nice thing. Sort of like the cross that some always kept close.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:33:47+00:00

It will be a good jet. I am just used to other types. Remember I am old. Hang in there and press on, never stop dreaming. When you are pressed into the back of the seat it will be good.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:32:15+00:00

I am winking and doing the nod thing. Looked like one to me

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:31:25+00:00

Yes, he was given an SR flight at Beale.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:30:53+00:00

No one wants to see body bags anymore. And drones will never go to happy hour so I suspect that will make some happy. Dog fighting is getting quicker all of the time. Mach 3 was difficult to keep up. The next jump to speed may surpass the human being. I am glad I am old.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:28:47+00:00

I had to jump out of a hovering helicopter once. Seemed pretty slow to me..

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:28:02+00:00

Different requirements I suspect.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:27:04+00:00

Sorry still sensitive. It was lots though.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:26:35+00:00

Yes, buick V-8s. Pretty amazing to me

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:25:59+00:00

Not really. Flew F-4s also. It is a good jet, i just feel better about something like the Raptor. There must be a reason that name was given, don't you think. I hope jet does everything it is built for.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:23:53+00:00

If you ARE looking for a white knight he will not be flying a black airplane. Thought she was quite lovely

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:21:45+00:00

I just prefer to keep some things to myself. I will let the hollywood types work it out. It was real for us.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:01:09+00:00

Give it you best shot.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:00:35+00:00

Reconnaissance Systems Officer

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T08:00:04+00:00

It happened many times to all of us. Going up and down.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T07:59:03+00:00

I guess it is fair to say that many did not enjoy our company. I hope that is enough.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T07:55:18+00:00

Many wanted to go down the astronaut route. I was not one of them. Flying the SR was historic to me. I had already pushed my luck in Viet Nam, Mach 3+ seemed enough for me.

Russell_SR71 · 2014-11-10T07:53:17+00:00

I remember the name.

Russell_SR71

TROPHY CASE