Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird

1h ago · © ChiTownRocker

Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird 61-7972, the legendary Mach 3 reconnaissance aircraft, displayed beneath the museum hangar roof.

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Aircraft

SR-71A Blackbird SR71

United States Air Force black finish with national insignia

61-7972

Registration

Manufacturer

Lockheed

Gear

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Military Maverick, First Catch

4 badges earned

Photo grade

Score: 62.0

Stealth jet fills the frame nicely, but soft focus and dim light reduce detail and impact.

Location

Palm Springs International Airport

PSP/KPSP

33.8314, -116.5040

Open map

Palm Springs International Airport PSP

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The SR-71 was a Mach 3 strategic reconnaissance aircraft and one of the fastest crewed aircraft ever operated. This airframe, 61-7972, set a transcontinental speed record in 1990.

Fleet Rarity

No SR-71s remain in active service; surviving examples are preserved in museums.

Record Flights

On 6 March 1990, 61-7972 flew from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., in 1 hour, 4 minutes, 20 seconds, setting a coast-to-coast speed record.

Safety & Events

This aircraft made the final operational SR-71 flight in 1990 and set several speed records during that flight.

Future Outlook

Preserved as a museum exhibit.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney J58 (JT11D-20A)

Engine

16.94 m

Wingspan

32.74 m

Length

5,400 km

Range

3,540 km/h

Speed

2 crew

Capacity

78,000 kg

MTOW

5.64 m

Height

34,000 lbf (151 kN) per engine with afterburner

Thrust