SR-71

Data Collection

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The SR-71 could be fitted with one of a variety of sensors depending on the needs of the mission. Surveillance cameras and radar packages could be installed in one of the SR-71's many equipment bays and detachable nose. These components worked in coordination with each other to gather, record and deliver information in near real-time. An almost unbelievable feat at that time.

By varying the nose and payload areas, the SR-71 could be configured for various types of reconnaisance. Camera and radar packages provided their own unique view of the target, enabling personnel to view and interpret the data with a high degree of accuracy.

Most missions needed several components installed in their companion hardware located in other bays. Most bays were specifically designed to house a certain type of equipment and the necessary connections to the aircraft systems.

18 Jul 2021

SR-71 Cameras

Author: SR Admin / Categories: Sensors / Rate this article:

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Operational Objective Camera (OOC) Manufacture: ITEK. The OOC was made in the Boston division of ITEK, replaced by the OBC. ITEK was originally an Italian manufacturer of eyeglasses and frames. The OOCs were panoramic cameras with a 13 inch focal length using 70 mm wide film. Both Right and Left had their views fixed with respect to the vertical and scanned horizontally from -5 degrees below the aircraft nadir out to +45 degrees on their respective sides. Both right and left OOC's had their views fixed with respect to the vertical and they scanned horizontally from -5 degrees below the aircraft nadir out to +45 degrees on their respective sides. The cameras were able to set their framing rates so at the current ground speed (from the Nav system) each photo would overlap the area covered by the previous photo by 55%. That is what provided the ability of the PI's to obtain Stereo views from the OOC photos. The OOC's were discontinued in the early 1970's.

The Optical Bar Camera (OBC) could photograph 100,000 square miles of the Earth's surface per hour. Film image 72 miles wide, & film length 10,500ft. Initially a 24 Inch focal length lens; later extended to 30 inch focal length . Both cameras (OBC and TEOC) provided superb detailed high resolution photographic images horizon to horizon.