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One of the things I read was that the plane may be used as a testbed for new, faster engines. If true that saves NASA from building an entirely new plane ($$$) and instead utilize a proven airframe.
As to the comment about the X plane program being a waste - pushing the boundaries of aerospace/space put us at the forefront of aviation technology. Some of that eventually trickles down to the civilian world/end user in ways many people don't realize or take for granted. I don't mean Tang but things like fireproof materials in airplanes.
Because of its age and lack of spares I think the SR-71 flying again is a longshot but I wish them success.
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Kurt
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