60-0036

60-0036; Lockheed image courtesy of Tony Landis
60-0036 preparing for takeoff with two D-21 drones and their rocket boosters, August 8, 1968 - Lockheed photo via Tony Landis


After the death of Ray Torick and the loss of the second M-21, all D-21 launches were made from Boeing B-52H bombers. 0036 was the first of two B-52's modified to carry the D-21.


close-up of nose art on 60-0036; photo by Tony Landis
The above photo was taken in 1997, when 0036 was given the nickname "Tagboard Flyer" and the unique nose art had recently been applied. Unfortunately, this artwork has long since been painted over, and the casual observer would have no idea of the historic significance of this particular aircraft. - photo by Tony Landis

Ironically, 60-0036 and her sister ship 61-0021 are the only two aircraft in the blackbird program that are not not destroyed or in museums; both aircraft are still in the USAF flying inventory.

An Italian Air Force Boeing 767 tanker refuels 60-0036 (based at Edwards AFB at the time) over California's Mojave Desert on March 5, 2007. - photo by Jet Fabara


60-0036 in the hangar at Barksdale AFB, October 31, 2012 - USAF photo by SrA Sean Martin

As of December 2013, 60-0036 is still operational from Edwards AFB in California.



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