Lockheed SR-71 Black Bird

The SR-71, the world's fastest jet-powered aircraft, has operated in more hostile airspace and with greater impunity than any surveillance aircraft in history. The Blackbird represented the apex of Cold War aircraft technical advancements thanks to its performance and operational successes.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is regarded as a US-operated reconnaissance aircraft. It was primarily derived on the 1960s Lockheed A-12. During missions, it aims to outrun threats. Another feature of the Lockheed SR-71 was its reduced radar cross section.

This aircraft was only produced in small quantities. In fact, only 32 of these aircraft were used. Unfortunately, 12 were killed in an accident, but none were killed in combat with the enemy. This aircraft was decommissioned in 1966. It is one of the fastest aircrafts, capable of speeds of Mach 3 or higher.

During its 24 years of continuous active service with the U.S. Air Force, this Blackbird logged nearly 2,800 hours of flight time. On the aircraft's final flight, on March 6, 1990, Lt. Col. Ed Yeilding and Lt. Col. Joseph Vida broke the speed barrier by traveling from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., at an average speed of 3,418 kilometers (2,124 miles), in 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 20 seconds. They arrived at Washington-Dulles International Airport at the end of the journey, then handed the plane over to the Smithsonian.

Object Details

Date: 1964

Country of Origin: United States of America

Type: CRAFT-Aircraft

Manufacturer: Lockheed Aircraft Corporation

Physical Description: Twin-engine, two-seat, supersonic strategic reconnaissance aircraft; airframe constructed largley of titanium and its alloys; vertical tail fins are constructed of a composite (laminated plastic-type material) to reduce radar cross-section; Pratt and Whitney J58 (JT11D-20B) turbojet engines feature large inlet shock cones.

Materials: Titanium

Maximum speed: Mach 3.2