[0:00]In 1982, an SR-71 Blackbird was conducting a high stakes intelligence mission over Lebanese airspace when it suddenly detected signals from a Syrian SA-5 missile system locking onto it within seconds.
[0:10]The Blackbird's warning systems confirmed active guidance signals from the SA-5, a sign that a missile launch was likely imminent.
[0:17]Wasting no time, the SR-71 crew accelerated and turned sharply towards Malta calling out Hail Kelly in homage to the aircraft's designer Kelly Johnson.
[0:26]But just as they engaged maximum speed, a low oil pressure warning light appeared on the right engine.
[0:30]In response, the pilot altered course toward England opting to cut directly across French airspace without official clearance as they neared the end of their journey across France.
[0:38]The crew suddenly noticed a Mirage 3 flying just 10 feet off their wing.
[0:43]The Mirage pilot made radio contact requesting the Blackbird's diplomatic clearance number with no authorization code to provide the Blackbird's backseat pilot replied.
[0:49]By simply showing the Mirage pilot his middle finger before igniting the afterburner.
