The Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” is a long-range, high-altitude, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft developed and manufactured by the American aerospace company Lockheed Corporation and the legendary Kelly Johnson (Skunk works). Also known as OXCART.

It was operated by both the United States Air Force (USAF) and NASA. Just do a sr71a blackbird speed check!

The SR-71 was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft during the 1960s by Lockheed’s Skunk Works division. American aerospace engineer Clarence “Kelly” Johnson was responsible for many of the aircraft’s innovative concepts. The shape of the SR-71 was based on that of the A-12, which was one of the first aircraft to be designed with a reduced radar cross-section.

The SR-71

At one point, a bomber variant of the aircraft was under consideration, before the program was focused solely on reconnaissance. Mission equipment for the reconnaissance role included signals intelligence sensors, a side-looking airborne radar, and a photo camera; the SR-71 was both longer and heavier than the A-12, allowing it to hold more fuel as well as a two-seat cockpit.

The SR-71 designation has been attributed to lobbying efforts by USAF Chief of Staff General Curtis LeMay, who preferred the SR (Strategic Reconnaissance) designation over simply RS (Reconnaissance, Strategic). The aircraft was introduced to operational service in January 1966.

The SR-71

During aerial reconnaissance missions, the SR-71 operated at high speeds and altitudes (Mach 3.2 and 85,000 feet, 25,900 meters) to allow it to outrace threats. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile.

On average, each SR-71 could fly once per week due to the extended turnaround required after mission recovery. A total of 32 aircraft were built; 12 were lost in accidents with none lost to enemy action. During 1988, the USAF retired the SR-71 largely for political reasons; several were briefly reactivated during the 1990s before their second retirement in 1998. NASA was the final operator of the type, retiring their examples in 1999.

The SR-71

Since its retirement, the SR-71’s role has been taken up by a combination of reconnaissance satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); a proposed UAV successor, the SR-72 is under development by Lockheed Martin, and scheduled to fly in 2025. The SR-71 has been given several nicknames, including “Blackbird” and “Habu”.

The SR-71

As of 2021 the SR-71 continues to hold the official world record it set in 1976 for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, previously held by the related Lockheed YF-12. The SR-71 was the world’s fastest and highest-flying air-breathing operational manned aircraft throughout its career.

General characteristics

Crew: 2

Pilot and reconnaissance systems officer (RSO)

Length: 107 ft 5 in (32.74 m)

Wingspan: 55 ft 7 in (16.94 m)

Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)

Wheel track: 16 ft 8 in (5 m)

Wheelbase: 37 ft 10 in (12 m)

Wing area: 1,800 sq ft (170 m2)

Aspect ratio: 1.7

Empty weight: 67,500 lb (30,617 kg)

The SR-71

Gross weight: 152,000 lb (68,946 kg)

Max takeoff weight: 172,000 lb (78,018 kg)

Fuel capacity: 12,219.2

US gal (10,174.6 imp gal; 46,255 l) in 6 tank groups (9 tanks)

Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney J58 (JT11D-20J or JT11D-20K) afterburning turbojets, 25,000 lbf

(110 kN) thrust each

JT11D-20J 32,500 lbf (144.57 kN) wet (fixed inlet guidevanes)

JT11D-20K 34,000 lbf (151.24 kN)

wet (2-position inlet guidevanes)

The SR-71

Performance Maximum speed: 1,910 kn (2,200 mph, 3,540 km/h) at 80,000 ft (24,000 m)

Maximum speed: Mach 3.32

Ferry range: 2,824 nmi (3,250 mi, 5,230 km

Service ceiling: 85,000 ft (26,000 m)

Rate of climb: 11,820 ft/min (60.0 m/s)

Wing loading: 84 lb/sq ft (410 kg/m2)

Thrust/weight: 0.44 Avionics 3,500 lb (1,588 kg) of mission equipment