did you hear about the SR 71 that buzzed a peace protest, held by people that threw paint on an SR 71? (that means the airplane has to extensively get repainted, as anything messing up the factory paint, will cause hot spots)

In 1981 a group of women,  protesting President Reagan’s decision to station intermediate nuclear missiles in England, organized a protest march from Cardiff, Wales to RAF Greenham Common near Newbury in Berkshire.

the women broke into the security cordon around the air show aircraft and threw paint on a SR-71.

‘Owing to the unique metals associated with the SR-71, the removing of the paint required special maintenance procedures to assure that no “hot spot” would develop on subsequent flights. It was quite a hassle and we were not amused over this incident. Jim and I planned a farewell departure for the protesters who were encamped in a squalor of tents just outside the main gate.

‘Jim obtained clearance for a “closed pattern” and turned to a downwind leg, descended to about 50 feet above the ground, and flew directly over the protestors’ encampment. It was early and probably most were asleep, but not for long. Jim was flying about 250 knots and selected afterburner in both engines as he was approaching the tents. As the SR-71 accelerated to 350-400 knots, he pulled up and focused the plume (and noise) directly on the protesters. It was a magnificent sight.’

Thomas concludes; ‘As we were leaving the base immediately after Jim’s departure, the gate guard (British) said to me: “I say, that was a jolly good show, but next time, please warn me before you do it.”

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/blackbird-pilot-recalls-when-an-sr-71-buzzed-greenham-common-womens-peace-camp-after-protest-women-threw-paint-on-that-very-same-blackbird