A-12/SR-71 Fuselage Stretch

[KJ_Lesnick]

I was told that the plane increased in length something like 9 to 13 inches at speed due to kinetic heating.

Where does the plane stretch? Forward of the wing right?

 

[Machdiamond]

I would imagine that by virtue of thermal conductivity throughout the structure, the stretching would be more or less uniform over its length wouldn't it?
--M

 

[KJ_Lesnick]

One would think, but the wings handle the expansion through their corrugations. From what I remember they get a little deeper when heated then shallow out when cooled.

So I'm guessing the only way the length can increase is the chine..