Xref: utzoo rec.aviation:13073 sci.space.shuttle:2628
Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!lll-winken!ames!mailrus!cornell!uw-beaver!ssc-vax!shuksan!tahoma!prl3546
From: prl3546@tahoma.UUCP (Philip R. Lindberg)
Newsgroups: rec.aviation,sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Re: SR71 to be retired October 1st, rumors regarding SR-71
Message-ID: <349@tahoma.UUCP>
Date: 17 Mar 89 20:06:17 GMT
References: <1993NU052179@NDSUVM1>
Organization: The Boeing Co., BCA FSL, Seattle, WA
Lines: 13

>>There were many other rumors.  Heard any good ones you'd like me to comment
>>on?
> 
> You'll like this one.  I heard that the skin of the aircraft was designed
> to allow for the expansion caused by fricion heating.  Therefore the gap
> left between each panel was such that fuel would leak out while the
> "Bird" was on the ground. 

This is correct.  In fact I watch one, prior to take off, with fuel pouring
out all over the runway.  (Note, they only put in enough fuel to get up to alt.
then they immediately refuel.)

  Phil Lindberg   UUCP: ..!uw-beaver!ssc-vax!shuksan!tahoma!prl3546