Episode Details

Supersonic Jets Drones and Stealth Legacy
Josh Dean, Part Two: Dean explores Cold War espionage, connecting 1950s UFO sightings to secret spy plane testing at Area 51. Dean recounts the 1960 U-2 shootdown of Francis Gary Powers and Johnson’s creation of the iconic Mach 3+ A-12 and SR-71 Blackbird spy planes. The discussion details early supersonic drone development, friction with Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, and the transition of Skunk Works to Ben Rich for the F-117 stealth fighter. It concludes with Johnson’s 14 management rules and his 1990 passing following a final flyover salute. (2)