Blackbird Simulations has released a new development diary detailing the ongoing work on its highly anticipated SR-71 project for Microsoft Flight Simulator. The update, shared by Dutch Owen, project manager and lead systems coder, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s journey to create an authentic simulation of the iconic aircraft. Owen also reflects on the personal connections forged during the project, including a tribute to Major Brian Shul, a key advisor who passed away in May 2023.
A Visit with Legends
The latest SR-71 Dev Diary goes back to the summer of 2022, when Owen traveled to California to meet Colonel Walter Watson and Major Brian Shul, both of whom had extensive experience flying the SR-71. The visit served as more than just a fact-finding mission. Owen described the trip as a transformative experience, stating that the time spent with Shul and Watson provided invaluable insights beyond what any manual could offer. The team’s primary goal during the visit was to capture authentic pilot-RSO (Reconnaissance Systems Officer) interactions and learn about the nuances of SR-71 operations that are often overlooked in documentation.
“Over the course of the three days I spent with them, they became Brian and Walt to me,” Owen shared, adding that the visit felt akin to stepping into a historical landmark and gaining a deeper understanding by physically being there. The team recorded real conversations and explored details about the aircraft’s operations at every stage of a flight.
These interactions provided more than technical details—they captured the soul of the aircraft. Through personal stories, Shul and Watson shared what it truly felt like to fly the Blackbird, an experience few have had and many dream of.
The Importance of Firsthand Experience
The development team gained unique insights that went far beyond the SR-71’s 900-page manual. Shul’s and Watson’s willingness to share candid, detailed stories about piloting the aircraft helped Blackbird Simulations refine its approach. Owen acknowledged that replicating the experience of flying the SR-71 is challenging due to the lack of operational simulators and the limited number of people who have flown the aircraft, often compared to astronauts in terms of exclusivity.
One highlight of the visit was a surprise trip to Beale Air Force Base, where Owen found himself face-to-face with an actual SR-71. For a developer dedicated to virtual recreation, the chance to physically touch the legendary Blackbird was nothing short of profound.
A Tribute to Major Brian Shul
The development diary also touched on the sudden and tragic loss of Major Brian Shul in May 2023. Owen expressed deep gratitude for Shul’s contributions, noting that his influence would be embedded in the project through the small details and quirks of the aircraft’s simulation—aspects that could only be learned from firsthand accounts.
“Part of Brian’s spirit will live on in some of the small details of the cockpit and the way it responds,” Owen said. The team has now dedicated the SR-71 project to Shul’s memory, making it not only a simulation of an iconic aircraft but also a tribute to one of its most notable pilots.
Reflections from the Air Crew
The dev diary included reflections from both Shul and Watson, captured during the development process. Watson described the SR-71 as “the best office a person could have,” recalling with pride the experience of flying at 80,000 feet and speeds exceeding Mach 2.3. Shul shared similar sentiments, marveling at the aircraft’s achievements despite its age.
“It’s hard to believe this thing could go 16 miles up and almost 2,000 miles per hour, and we did this almost four decades ago,” Watson remarked during the visit to Beale Air Force Base. Both pilots expressed pride in their time together as a crew and gratitude for Blackbird Simulations’ efforts to preserve the SR-71’s legacy.
As the development progresses, Blackbird Simulations aims to deliver a product that does justice to the SR-71’s legacy and the stories of those who flew it. The team’s dedication to authenticity, combined with the knowledge gained from Shul and Watson, promises a unique experience for simmers eager to pilot one of the most legendary aircraft in aviation history!
