The YF-12 was developed in the 1960s as a high-altitude, Mach 3 interceptor to defend against supersonic bombers. Based on the A-12 reconnaissance aircraft, the YF-12A became the forerunner of the SR-71 strategic reconnaissance platform. The first of three made its maiden flight in August 1963; this is the second one built and was recalled from storage in 1969 for a joint USAF/NASA investigation of supersonic cruise technology in support of the SST and Space Shuttle programs. It was flown to the museum in November 1979, the other two having been destroyed in accidents

The sole surviving YF-12A on display at the 1977 Edwards show. During November 1979 it was flown to the AF Museum at Wright-Patterson