8/11/22 - One Of A Kind Spy Plane in West Michigan

The only remaining aircraft of its kind, the SR-71B 'Blackbird' will be the focal point of an entertaining and educational event this weekend at the AirZoo in Portage.

Dubbed “the most impressive military jet ever built,” the only remaining US SR-71B spy plane trainer will be featured in the Kalamazoo area for a four-day event.  The once top-secret military spy plane is expected to draw thousands to the ‘SR-71 Spy-posium’ at the Air-Zoo Aerospace and Science Center in Portage from August 12th-15th.

This year’s event builds off a similar event in 2019, where thousands gathered to view the aircraft, but to also hear from a few of the pilots, crew, and engineers who designed the vehicle for its spy missions.  Because of the extraordinary popularity of that event, 20 SR-71 pilots, reconnaissance officers, ground crew, engineers and historians will be on hand this year to answer questions, give one-on-one tours, participate in panel discussions, as well as be available for autographs, selfies, and more.

The event kicks off on Friday, August 12th at 9am with a ‘Kids Day.’  “We’ve got some activities that will get the kids more one-on-one with our crew members that are here visiting.  And at 1pm we’re also doing a paper airplane competition.  So there will be some stations to teach them different aerodynamic ‘tricks of the trade’ and then they get to compete and whoever wins will actually compete with one of our SR Pilots.” Nikki Statler, Director of Marketing with the Air Zoo says the program continues Saturday through Monday with panel discussions and opportunities to see the impressive aircraft.

A special members only coffee with the crew will start Sunday morning, but there are many opportunities for hands on exploration, get a tour, and learn more about this incredible machine.

The SR-71B or Blackbird air frame was designed by Lockheed, using a literal slide rule and blueprints during the 1960’s.  Despite the humble surroundings, the plane could reach an impressive top speed of 22-hundred miles per hour.  Its' tracking and infrared cameras recorded 100-thousand square miles of surveillance per hour from 80,000 feet.  Its supersonic speed, extreme altitude, radar attenuating materials and design enabled the craft to evade all known or anticipated ground and air defenses, essentially turning it into a ghost in the air.  None of the planes were lost to enemy fire. The program closed in 1990.

For a schedule, ticket information, and other information, visit Air Zoo Spy-Posium.