Flying at altitudes and speeds unheard of for contemporary jet aircraft, the Blackbird family required a fuel with unique properties to perform in the extremes the aircraft would be subject to.

The Mach 3+ speeds of the Lockheed A-12, M-21 , YF-12A, and SR-71 would heat fuel up to 350 degrees, and, lacking insulated fuel tanks, the aircraft required a fuel with a high-flash point that would not vaporize or explode under tremendous heat and pressure. Available jet fuels at the time would not work in this environment, someone would have to create such a fuel, and, in addition to fueling the aircraft, the new fuel also was used as an internal coolant, cooling important components of the aircraft. Contents Flying at altitudes and speeds unheard of for contemporary jet aircraft, t

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