Archangel: CIA's Supersonic A-12 Reconnaissance Aircraft

This history of the A-12 reconnaissance aircraft was occasioned by CIA’s acquisition on loan from the Air Force of the eighth A-12 in the production series of 15 in September 2007. Known as Article 128, the aircraft is on display at the Agency’s Headquarters compound in Langley, Virginia. This history is intended to provide an accessible overview of the A-12’s development and use as an intelligence collector.