The Lockheed SR-71 " Blackbird " is a retired long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft that was developed and manufactured by the American aerospace company …

The original Blackbird was designated the A-12 and made its first flight on April 30, 1962. The single-seat A-12 soon evolved into the larger SR-71, which added a second seat for a Reconnaissance …

The SR-71 was designed to fly deep into hostile territory, avoiding interception with its tremendous speed and high altitude. It could operate safely at a maximum speed of Mach 3.3 at an altitude more …

Jul 20, 2025 · It is an open question as to how successful the SR-71 was relative to other aircraft like the still-in-service Lockheed U-2, but the brilliance of engineering in the SR-71 is undeniable, as is the …

Apr 9, 2025 · Discover the full story of the SR-71 Blackbird, its top speed, max altitude, cockpit details, and the successor to this legendary Lockheed aircraft.

More than a decade after their retirement the Blackbirds remain the world’s fastest and highest-flying production aircraft ever built. The Blackbirds were designed to cruise at Mach 3.2, just over three …

The SR-71 Blackbird, developed by Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division, was a long-range, advanced, strategic reconnaissance aircraft used by the United States Air Force.

The first SR-71 entered regular service in January of 1966. The SR-71 was the world's fastest and highest-flying operational manned airplane throughout its career.

Historical details and photographs of America's Mach 3 supersonic spyplane aircraft, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird history, specifications, schematics, pictures, and data.