Originally intended for launch from the Lockheed A-12, the D-21 was forced to find a replacement carrier due to technical issues that resulted in a deadly accident
The Lockheed D-21 was a highly advanced, remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) designed to carry out high-speed, high-altitude strategic reconnaissance missions over hostile territory. It was powered by a ramjet. The D-21 had originally been designed for launch from the trisonic Lockheed A-12 (developed alongside the SR-71), but difficulties (culminating in a fatal accident) forced Lockheed to find a new carrier.
The Lockheed D-21 was a cutting-edge remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) intended for strategic reconnaissance over hostile territory at high speeds and altitudes. It had a ramjet for power. Originally intended to be launched from the trisonic Lockheed A-12 (built concurrently with the SR-71), problems ultimately resulted in a deadly accident, forcing Lockheed to locate a replacement carrier.
Under Operation Senior Bowl, which was financed by the CIA, two H-model “Buffs” (B-52H-140-BW 60-0021 and B-52H-150-BW 60-0036) were modified to carry the D-21B reconnaissance drone. The D-21 drone was upgraded to D-21B standards and fitted with a 90-second solid fuel rocket booster, allowing it to reach its operating altitude of 80,000 feet and its top speed of Mach 3.
The first of the two launch aircraft, B-52H-140-BW 60-0021, was dispatched to Palmdale on December 12, 1966, where it was outfitted with enormous inboard underwing pylons from which the D-21s could be suspended, as described by Jon Lake in his book B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1965–73. The gunner and EWO positions in the cockpit were also replaced by new Launch Control Officer stations. In order to record the launch, the aircraft were equipped with camera ports in the fuselage sides and in the launch pylons; however, in contrast to some claims, the standard tail armament was kept in place.
The two D-21 carriers were operated by the 4200th Support Squadron (SS) at Beale Air Force Base (AFB) in late 1968 after training at Groom Lake (also known as “The Ranch”) with a unit simply known as A Flight. They were maintained in a state of virtual alertness with two “birds” on each B-52H. The B-52Hs took off from Beale and went to Andersen, Hickam, or Kadena AFBs, where they conducted operational missions. Sorties were flown on Nov. 9, 1969, Dec. 16, 1970, Mar. 4, 1971, and Mar. 20, 1971.
The second and third flights were unsuccessful because the mission video was not retrieved from the palletized camera hatches that were ejected from the drones, while the first and last drones were lost over enemy territory. Launched by 4200th SS B-52Hs, all D-21Bs were dropped from the starboard pylon, while the backup D-21B, carried by the port station, was never used operationally. The program was discontinued on July 23, 1971.
Standard early-style SIOP camouflage with painted radomes was worn by the aircraft, although 60-0036 had an unusual white-painted cockpit roof to reflect the bright sun at high altitudes. Both “Buffs” are still in use today, and in honor of the D-21 supersonic reconnaissance drone’s 50th anniversary, 60-0036 was given a unique “Tagboard Flyer” nose art in 2017 by renowned aviation artist Mike Machat. The previous nose art was redone, and it was painted over after regular maintenance. This is the current nose art.
B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1965-73 is published by Osprey Publishing and is available to order here.
Photo by U.S. Air Force
