The aircraft completed seven research flights. Two initial flights were used to determine the aerodynamic characteristics of the LASRE apparatus on the back of the aircraft. The first of those occurred on 31 October 1997. The aircraft flew for 1:50 hours, reaching Mach 1.2 and an altitude of 33,000 feet, landing at Edwards AFB. The result validated the SR-71/pod configuration.
Five later flights focused on the experiment; two were used to cycle gaseous helium and liquid nitrogen through the experiment to check its plumbing system for leaks and to check engine operation characteristics.