From A Different View

A Spectacular SR-71 Landing

One of a series of photographs from "another perspective"

Arriving at Dulles International Airport for delivery to the the National Air and Space Museum, an SR-71 "Blackbird" spy plane lands closer to the photographer than planned.


(Smithsonian Photos by Richard Strauss)

Standing at the end of the runway to photograph the aircraft rolling towards him after landing, Richard Strauss was surprised when he looked over his shoulder to discover the pilot had made a last minute direction change, landing only a few feet over him...so close that this spectacular series of photographs was taken with an 18mm lens. Then...

...as the "Blackbird" touched down, Strauss reached for another camera with a 1200mm telephoto lens, aimed back down the runway, and captured another spectacular and unusual photograph.


SR-71 Deploys Red Drag Chute After Landing

Copyright 1996 Smithsonian Institution