Exclusive Area 51 Pictures: Secret Plane Crash Revealed

[no1_vern]

Exclusive Area 51 Pictures: Secret Plane Crash Revealed

Area 51 was created so that U.S. Cold Warriors with the highest security clearances could pursue cutting-edge aeronautical projects away from prying eyes. During the 1950s and '60s Area 51’s top-secret OXCART program developed the A-12 as the successor to the U-2 spy plane.

Nearly undetectable to radar, the A-12 could fly at 2,200 miles an hour (3,540 kilometers an hour)—fast enough to cross the continental U.S. in 70 minutes. From 90,000 feet (27,400 meters), the plane's cameras could capture foot-long (0.3-meter-long) objects on the ground below.

But pushing the limits came with risks—and a catastrophic 1963 crash of an A-12 based out of Area 51.

A rapid government cover-up removed nearly all public traces of the wrecked A-12—pictured publicly for the first time in this gallery, thanks to the CIA's recent declassification of the images.

—Brian Handwerk

Published May 20, 2011

[Toadman]

Old but cool, nonetheless.

A-12 vs. SR-71 Blackbird Comparison

[surreal]

OK so anyone know why when I clicked on Vern's link I got that crappy scareware that takes over your browser telling you you have virus's and won't let you close the window or shut things down?

[no1_vern]

IDK, It goes to the National Geographic site, I just clicked it again to verify I put it in right.

[surreal]

Weird, I just tried it again and no problems..