D-21
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Date: 1969

Personal Interest: Existence of the D-12 became evident in 1976 when the articles were sent to AMARC for storage. I recall being curious about their resemblance to the SR-71, an aircraft that made a great impression on me. It wasn't until 2019 though, 18 years after the end of my USAF career, that the mission of the D-21 was declassified. The D-21 flew photo reconnaissance missions over China from 1969 through 1971.

Model Specifications: This model represents a D-21 in its all-black operational paint scheme. The model is displayed on a cart as it would have appeared prior to being attached to an M-21 or B-52 launch aircraft.