The SR-71, unofficially known as the "Blackbird," is a long-range, advanced, strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed from the Lockheed A-12 and YF-12A aircraft.
The first flight of an SR-71 took place on December 22, 1964, and the first SR-71 to enter service was delivered to the 4200th (later, 9th) Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., in January 1966. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Haggerty) This Web site is provided as a public service by the 95th Air Base Wing (Public Affairs). Information presented on this Web site is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. Highr Resolution Image |
The aircraft were permanently retired a few years later. Throughout its nearly 24-year career, the SR-71 remained the world's fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft. From 80,000 feet it could survey 100,000 square miles of Earth's surface per hour. On July 28, 1976, an SR-71 set two world records for its class: an absolute speed record of 2,193.167 miles per hour and an absolute altitude record of 85,068.997 feet.
The Lockheed SR-71 remains one of the most exotic and mysterious aircraft of all time. Its mighty J58 engines, with a thrust equivalent to 45 diesel locomotives, |
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AF.mil is provided as a public service by the Office of the Secretary of Air Force (Public Affairs). Information presented on Air Force Link is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" from the U.S. Copyright Office. |
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