Artifact Details
Lockheed, the same company that built the A-12, built two M-21s and 38 drones.
CIA developed the D-21 drone for surveillance missions over enemy territory. It was launched from a modified A-12 aircraft. The D-21’s engine propelled it to speeds over 2,000 mph. During missions, the D-21 would follow a pre-programmed flightpath over areas of interest and take pictures. Then the drone returned to international airspace where it dropped the film canister. A specially equipped aircraft recovered the film canister. The drone would then self-destruct.
Artifact Specs
22 cm x 10 cm x 4 cm
(L x W x H)
Video
Transcript
This video does not include text.