Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

27 Feb 2026 · © Unknown

The view is from the rear of the aircraft, showing the distinctive twin-engine nacelles and canted vertical stabilizers characteristic of the SR-71. The aircraft is behind barriers, typical of major museum displays.

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General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon

Aircraft

SR-71 Blackbird SR71

US Air Force (standard black reconnaissance livery)

Airline

United States Air Force

USAF

Manufacturer

Lockheed

Insights

Aviation History

Legendary Cold War-era strategic reconnaissance aircraft, famous for speed, altitude, and groundbreaking stealth technology; operated by the US Air Force (1966-1998).

Fleet Rarity

Very rare, with only 32 built; multiple airframes preserved in museums, none flying.

Record Flights

World's fastest air-breathing manned aircraft; multiple speed and altitude records (altitude of 85,069 ft, speed record of 2,193.2 mph in 1976).

Safety & Events

Records for fastest coast-to-coast US flight; never lost to enemy action during service.

Future Outlook

Retired, all examples preserved in museums or storage.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney J58 (JT11D-20)

Engine

16.94 meters

Wingspan

32.74 meters

Length

5,400 km

Range

3,540+ km/h (Mach 3.3+)

Speed

2 (crew, pilot and reconnaissance systems officer)

Capacity

78,000 kg

MTOW

5.64 meters

Height

2 × 145,000 N (33,000 lbf) each

Thrust

Supersonic jet, not applicable to current ICAO noise standards.

Noise

Exact registration of this airframe is not visible in the image.