Talk by Robert J. Gilliland - The SR-71A "Blackbird"

On Thursday 18 November a special meeting was held by Martlesham Heath Aviation Society in the St.Michaels and All Angels church centre. Our speaker was Robert J. Gilliland, test pilot on the Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird.

SR-71A was designed and built by Kelly Johnson and a small group of engineers at the Skunk Works in Burbank California. Robert was accompanied by Marcia, whose late husband was also a test pilot and a great friend of Robert.

It was a chance meeting with Robert at Duxford at the re-dedication of the USAF museum that led to his evening at Martlesham Heath. He told Bob Dunnett at the time that if he came to England he would contact him and, if possible, arrange a talk with our society. Robert was true to his word.

It was obvious that Robert Gilliland would attract a large audience. Our normal meeting venue was unavailable which, in hindsight, was fortuitous. The church centre, however , was available and was large enough to hold 200 people, which we very nearly filled.

Robert was born in Memphis, Tennessee. During WWII, at the age of 17, he volunteered for the U.S. Navy. During his active service he flew in the Korean War. Prior to volunteering for Korea he flew many propeller aeroplanes. He spent time in Germany and worked with a number of other Air Forces before returning home to Elgin AF base in Florida where he became a test pilot. He retired from the AF and joined the Tennessee Air National Guard. In 1960 he joined Lockheed as a civilian test pilot and began test flying the F-104 Starfighter before joining the SR-71A Blackbird project.

Robert, being a flyer, is strict on timing. He explained to me the exact times that he would talk and then break. What Robert had not bargained for was the interest that he and his subject, the SR-71, would generate. During the break one could hardly see Robert; he was surrounded and had no alternative but to break his own schedule. Trying to get a cup of coffee to him was difficult and I still am not sure whether he actually drank it. There were photos and books being signed as well as other odd items being thrust into Robert’s hand for signing.

On the conclusion of his talk, Gordon Kinsey gave the vote of thanks. Those who know Gordon are aware of his views on the jet engine so it turned into a hilarious time, which was enjoyed by both Rolbert and Gordon, and the audience.

Robert assured me afterwards that he very much enjoyed himself and was driven off to his hotel at around 10pm contemplating his early start in order to make Duxford by his scheduled time of 10am.

We thank Robert and Marcia for taking the time to visit us and for the wonderful talk.

Martyn Cook - Chairman

Some Robert Gilliland and SR-71 Links:

Robert Gilliland biography

Robert Gilliland biography (refers to YF-12)

Video - SR-71 flyby  - 1.9 Mb MPEG

Video - YF-12C takeoff  - 3.1 Mb MPEG