"Big Tail" SR-71 - details of the movable appendage?

[AeroFranz]

I could not find mention of this in other parts of the forum...
One SR-71 (SR-71A #61-7959, now resting at Eglin) was modified with an extended tail, a sting like a SU-27 if you will (although technically the SR-71 precedes it).
I believe this particular bird was sometimes referred to as "Big Tail".
This particular structure housed additional equipment, was movable up and down some eight degrees, and could be used for trim. On takeoff and landings it would be rotated to avoid interference with the landing chute.
Anyone's got some detail of how it was hinged, or more information in general than what is obtainable with Google searches? Thanks in advance!

 

[flateric]

You surely should try to contact Jim Goodall on that stuff...

 

[AeroFranz]

Indeed, my curiosity was prompted by reading his squadron signal volume "SR-71 Blackbird"
Lots of pictures but none showed details of how the tail was actuated.

 

[flateric]

btw, look-alike beaver tail mechanism on B-2 is considered "touchy" subject

 

[DSE]

http://www.sr-71.org/photogallery/blackbird/17959/

SR-71A #61-7959, also known as "Big Tail," is on display at the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin AFB, FL. The aircraft came off the assembly line like any other SR-71A when it was rolled out on 16 August 1965, but was chosen as the platform for a new set of sensor equipment to be carried in a nine-foot extension from the rear of the aircraft in 1975. The tests demonstrated that there was little performance loss, but that the new sensor equipment proved little advantage. The program to retrofit the new "big tail" to the remaining SR-71s was cut and the aircraft last flew on 29 October 1976.

 

[flateric]

Jim Goodall has just posted a whole bunch of stuff on Big Tail at Facebook open group HABU! SR-71

 

[AeroFranz]

Thanks, will check that out

 

[bloody sky]

http://www.sr-71.org/photogallery/blackbird/17959/

SR-71A #61-7959, also known as "Big Tail," is on display at the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin AFB, FL. The aircraft came off the assembly line like any other SR-71A when it was rolled out on 16 August 1965, but was chosen as the platform for a new set of sensor equipment to be carried in a nine-foot extension from the rear of the aircraft in 1975. The tests demonstrated that there was little performance loss, but that the new sensor equipment proved little advantage. The program to retrofit the new "big tail" to the remaining SR-71s was cut and the aircraft last flew on 29 October 1976.

How long is it?It's a question.

 

[Dagger]

Moveable tail was an 8 ft extension that could move by about 8 degrees up as well as down.
Hinge point was about 25 % from bottom.
A hydraulic actuator was located inside near the top.

 

[flateric]

via Jim Goodall

 

[Archibald]

More sensors ? tail-warning radar ?

 

[Orionblamblam]

More sensors ? tail-warning radar ?

Left image is "more sensors", right image is satcom dish.

 

[Archibald]

A SR-71 that wags its tail like a dog... how cute !

 

[Orionblamblam]

A SR-71 that wags its tail like a dog... how cute !

It "wagged its tail" to keep it from dragging on the runway during takeoff and landing.

 

[Dew]

I'm surprised noone else has posted this FLASHBACK here:
Big Tail - One of a Kind Variant By: Tony R. Landis
Good info & great pictures, as always, from Mr Landis.

 

[Prophet141]

It "wagged its tail" to keep it from dragging on the runway during takeoff and landing.

Wow! Dragging its rear end along the floor, it really is just like a dog.