A-12 Oxcart: The CIA Spy Plane Faster Than the SR-71 Blackbird

Summary

1. Cockpit reached 260 degrees Celsius.
2. Pilots wore refrigerated space suits.
3. A mission over Hanoi showcased its speed and stealth capabilities against Soviet-built S-75 missiles.
4. Despite its brief operational life, the A-12 influenced U.S. decisions during the Vietnam War and geopolitical events.

References

• Media Check: National Interest - Media Bias/Fact Check (HIGH CREDIBILITY)
• Collections |The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
• RAAF RUNWAY: RATIONALE, GUIDELINES, LEARNING OUTCOMES, ETC