Thanks for the explaination John. The fuel issue seemed rather far-fetched yet logical too.
As for 'Bittergreen', I too was born in 1954. Good vintage! Did it really take 12 years to get the SR-71 from drafting table, to prototype, to finally see service? I believe it officially was releaced for service in 1966.
Just look at the beautiful curves on Lady Blackbird! Even with her incontinence problem, this 40 year old remains a "Hottie" in my eyes!
Yuri