No aircraft is probably more recognizable than the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Much of the history and capabilities of the Blackbird remain shrouded in mystery, but what has emerged makes this one of the most fascinating aircraft ever flown.
Designed in the early 1960's by "Kelly" Johnson and Lockheed's "Skunk Works", the Blackbird was designed to look down at the earth from over 80,000 feet in altitude and to fly very fast (over Mach 3.3 or 2,350 mph). One SR-71 flew from Los Angeles, California to Washington, D.C. in 64 minutes 5 seconds at an average speed of 2,153 mph.
Thirty-two SR-71s were built and served from 1964 to 1990. They were based at Beale Air Force Base, California, on Okinawa, and in the UK. Even though they were shot at over 1,000 times, none were ever lost to hostile fire. The SR-71 was retired in 1990. Three were refurbished and returned to service in 1995 and again retired at the end of 1997.
Prime Contractor: Lockheed
Country of Origin: USA
Serial Number: 64-17960
Function: Reconnaissance
Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney J58 turbojet engines with 32,500 pounds of thrust each.
Max Weight: 172,000 pounds
Max Speed: Mach 3+ (over 2,350 mph)
Ceiling: over 16 miles (85,000 feet)
Range: 2,900 miles
Armament: None
Crew: 2
Dimensions
Length: 107' 5"
Height: 18' 6"
Wing Span: 55' 7"
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