SR-71A Reconnaissance Aircraft. One of two initial U.S. Air Force SR-71A reconnaissance aircraft that was retired from operational service and loaned NASA for high-speed research programs at NASA's Dryden Flight Research, Edwards, California. The aircraft deployed its drag chute even before its nose gear touches the runway at the end of a 1990 research flight (NASA Media Archives). Buy this as a superb wall poster, a canvas print or a framed print.