Description:
In Part 1 of this detailed and informative interview, Michael Schratt talks to Aviation Archaeologist and Area 51 expert Peter Merlin on the true history of the remote test site in Nevada.
Topics to be included: U-2 Spyplane, A-12, SR-71, Have Blue, Tacit Blue, F-117, Dyson's Dock, "Sam's Place", burn pits at Area 51, and much more.
Strap in and prepare yourself for a non-holds-barred interview with the world's expert on the topic (also see Peter Merlin's new book DREAMLAND). ___ Below is a summary of the YouTube video "Area 51 Exposed (Part One)" based on the provided transcript. The transcript features an interview with Peter Merlin, an aviation and aerospace historian, discussing his background, the Lockheed Have Blue program, stealth technology development, and related black programs. The takeaways highlight main arguments, actionable insights, and crucial details, with a focus on clarity and conciseness.
Takeaways from "Area 51 Exposed (Part One)"
• Interview Date and Guest: The interview was conducted on March 6, 2016, with Peter Merlin, an aviation and aerospace historian.
• Merlin’s Background: Merlin has been interested in aviation and space since childhood, sparked by watching Apollo launches.
• Educational Path: He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in aeronautical studies and management in 1987.
• Career Shift: Due to an aerospace industry downturn in 1987, Merlin worked for a commuter airline for 10 years.
• Freelance Journalism: Merlin became a freelance journalist, writing aviation and space stories, which launched his writing career.
• Lockheed Have Blue Program: The Have Blue program was a pioneering effort in stealth technology to reduce radar, infrared, and acoustic signatures.
• Stealth Definition: Stealth technology aims to make aircraft less detectable by minimizing radar cross-section and other signatures.
• DARPA and Air Force Involvement: In the mid-1970s, DARPA and the Air Force explored stealth for tactical aircraft.
• Project Harvey: Initial stealth studies were conducted under Project Harvey, involving major aerospace companies.
• Lockheed’s Exclusion: Lockheed was initially excluded from Project Harvey due to no recent tactical aircraft production.
• Lockheed’s Secret Expertise: Lockheed had extensive, classified experience with low observables from the A-12 Blackbird program.
• A-12 Blackbird: Developed in the 1960s, the A-12 was designed for high speed, high altitude, and reduced radar detection.
• Kelly Johnson’s Role: Lockheed’s Kelly Johnson faced challenges balancing stealth and performance in the A-12 design.
• D-21 Drone: The D-21, a Mach 3 drone, had the lowest radar cross-section of its time, showcasing Lockheed’s stealth expertise.
• Lockheed Joins Harvey: Lockheed gained entry to Project Harvey after declassifying some A-12 data, funded by their own resources.
• Initial Design: Lockheed’s early stealth design resembled the D-21 but removed the vertical tail and intake for stealth.
• Faceting Technique: Lockheed adopted faceting—using flat plates—to enhance stealth, inspired by a Russian study.
• Echo One Software: Dennis Overholzer’s Echo One program calculated radar cross-sections for faceted shapes.
• Hopeless Diamond: The faceted “Hopeless Diamond” design was nearly invisible to radar but aerodynamically challenging.
• Aerodynamic Trade-offs: Faceting conflicted with traditional aerodynamic principles, prioritizing stealth over flight performance.
• XST Development: The Experimental Survivable Testbed (XST) turned the Hopeless Diamond into a flyable aircraft.
• Fly-by-Wire System: The XST required an analog fly-by-wire system due to its inherent instability.
• Vertical Fins: Inward-canted vertical fins were added to the XST to minimize radar reflection.
• Have Blue Prototypes: Two small Have Blue prototypes were built as technology demonstrators, not operational aircraft.
• Northrop’s XST: Northrop competed with a faceted XST design but lost to Lockheed due to higher radar cross-section.
• Northrop’s Future Role: The Air Force encouraged Northrop to stay involved, leading to the B-2 stealth bomber.
• First Have Blue Purpose: The first prototype tested handling qualities to ensure basic flight capability.
• Angular Design: Have Blue’s wings lacked traditional airfoils, designed by electrical engineers for stealth.
• Revolutionary Design Process: Stealth was the primary design goal, with flight performance secondary.
• Pentagon’s Low Observable Office: A small Pentagon team in the 1970s studied stealth under the Senior High program.
• Team Members: The team included Jerry Babber, Dave England, Joe Ralston, and Robert Bond.
• Senior High Program: This program covered all stealth aircraft development, including Have Blue and beyond.
• Stealth Cruise Missile: The team explored stealthy cruise missiles for penetrating defended airspace.
• F-117A Origins: Have Blue’s success led to the F-117A, a stealth tactical bomber, not a fighter.
• F-117A Role: Designed to slip through defenses and strike targets with minimal detection.
• Desert Storm Success: The F-117A proved its stealth capabilities in Operation Desert Storm.
• Senior Trend Program: The F-117A was developed under the Senior Trend program, tested at Area 51.
• Area 51 Testing: Have Blue and F-117A were tested at Area 51, with F-117A later deployed to Tonopah and Holloman.
• Tacit Blue: The Pentagon team developed Tacit Blue, a stealthy battlefield surveillance aircraft demonstrator.
• Tacit Blue Impact: Its technology influenced the B-2 stealth bomber, though it wasn’t mass-produced.
• Have Blue Photos: No declassified photos exist of Have Blue’s first flight takeoff on December 1, 1977.
• First Have Blue Features: The first prototype had a drag chute box and test boom, painted in camouflage.
• Second Prototype: The second Have Blue lacked the boom and chute, painted light gray for stealth.
• Accidents: Both Have Blue prototypes crashed, but pilots Bill Park and Ken Dyson survived.
• Data Preservation: The crashes occurred after the program’s goals were met, with no significant data loss.
• Ben Rich Meeting: Merlin met Ben Rich, former Skunk Works head, known for a laid-back management style.
• Rich’s Projects: Rich led Have Blue, F-117A, Sea Shadow, and a stealth cruise missile proposal.
• Rich’s Exaggerations: Rich’s book “Skunk Works” contained exaggerations, disputed by stealth pioneers.
• ET Comment: Rich jokingly referenced a contract to “send ET home,” causing misinterpretations.
• Advanced Aeronautics: The transcript cuts off before discussing the Advanced Aeronautics organization’s projects.
Actionable Insights
• Research Primary Sources: When studying stealth programs, cross-reference accounts like Ben Rich’s with other pioneers’ perspectives to avoid bias.
• Leverage Historical Expertise: Engage with historians like Merlin for accurate, detailed insights into classified programs.
• Understand Trade-offs: In stealth design, prioritize mission goals (e.g., stealth vs. aerodynamics) to guide development.
• Explore Declassified Data: Seek declassified documents or photos for programs like Have Blue, though availability may be limited.
• Learn from Failures: The Have Blue crashes highlight the importance of testing prototypes thoroughly before operational use.
Main Arguments
• Stealth Innovation: The Have Blue program marked a revolutionary shift in aircraft design, prioritizing stealth over traditional aerodynamics.
• Lockheed’s Legacy: Lockheed’s secret expertise from the A-12 and D-21 gave it a critical edge in stealth development.
• Team Collaboration: The Pentagon’s Low Observable Office and Lockheed’s Skunk Works collaborated closely to advance stealth technology.
• Program Evolution: Have Blue’s success directly led to the F-117A and influenced other stealth projects like Tacit Blue and the B-2.
• Historical Accuracy: Ben Rich’s accounts, while valuable, require scrutiny due to exaggerations, emphasizing the need for multiple perspectives.
Crucial Statistics
• Timeline: Have Blue’s first flight was December 1, 1977; Project Harvey began in the mid-1970s; F-117A was operational by Desert Storm (1991).
• Prototypes: Two Have Blue aircraft were built, both lost in accidents (1978 and later).
• D-21 Achievement: In the 1960s, the D-21 drone had the lowest radar cross-section of any aircraft at the time.
• Team Size: The Pentagon’s Low Observable Office was a small team of key figures like Babber, England, Ralston, and Bond.
• Hopeless Diamond Facets: The initial Hopeless Diamond design used about six flat plates for stealth.
This summary captures the essence of the video, focusing on Merlin’s expertise, the technical and historical significance of the Have Blue program, and the broader context of stealth development. For further details, viewers can watch the video at the provided link or explore declassified sources on stealth programs.
• Lockheed’s Legacy: Lockheed’s secret expertise from the A-12 and D-21 gave it a critical edge in stealth development.
• Team Collaboration: The Pentagon’s Low Observable Office and Lockheed’s Skunk Works collaborated closely to advance stealth technology.
• Program Evolution: Have Blue’s success directly led to the F-117A and influenced other stealth projects like Tacit Blue and the B-2.
• Historical Accuracy: Ben Rich’s accounts, while valuable, require scrutiny due to exaggerations, emphasizing the need for multiple perspectives.
Crucial Statistics
• Timeline: Have Blue’s first flight was December 1, 1977; Project Harvey began in the mid-1970s; F-117A was operational by Desert Storm (1991).
• Prototypes: Two Have Blue aircraft were built, both lost in accidents (1978 and later).
• D-21 Achievement: In the 1960s, the D-21 drone had the lowest radar cross-section of any aircraft at the time.
• Team Size: The Pentagon’s Low Observable Office was a small team of key figures like Babber, England, Ralston, and Bond.
• Hopeless Diamond Facets: The initial Hopeless Diamond design used about six flat plates for stealth.
This summary captures the essence of the video, focusing on Merlin’s expertise, the technical and historical significance of the Have Blue program, and the broader context of stealth development. For further details, viewers can watch the video at the provided link or explore declassified sources on stealth programs.
