[garbanzoPDX]

> it formed the literal backbone of the most advanced aerospace technology on the planet.

I'm going to be pedantic here, but I feel like it needs to be said: no, it was not the "literal" backbone aerospace technology. It was the "figurative" backbone. There, I said it.

[messe]

It does not need to be said.

The use of literally as an intensifier goes back centuries, and is well-accepted. Move on.

Why choose this hill to die on when there are far more interesting things to discuss?

[dreamcompiler]

Since the A-12 was 93% titanium, it's virtually certain that its skeletal frame was made of the metal. The word "literal" applies.